What is a Relay?

What is a Relay?

A relay is an electrical actuator that functions as a switch.
It takes in as input an electric current and uses this current to close a switch. Thus, a relay is really a switch that is switched on and off by changes in the current input into it.

How Relays Work

Relays work taking an electrical current through them. In response to this current, the coil of the relay produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field then attracts the mechanical switch, closing it.

This is why a relay is an electrical actuator. It uses an electric current to actuate the closing of a switch, and this is through the use of a magnetic field.