eolas/zk/Relays.md

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2024-09-09 17:00:03 +01:00
---
title: Relays
tags: [electronics]
created: Monday, September 09, 2024
---
# Relays
A relay is an electrically operated switch.
It uses an electromagnet to mechancially operate a switch.
## Core components
- electromagnet
- a coil of wire around an iron core
- armature
- a movable magnetic strip
- contacts
- electrical connections that can be open or closed
- spring
- returns the armature to its resting position when not energised
## Operation
![Operation of a relay](../img/relay.gif)
Current flows through the electromagnet which creates a magnetic field. This
field attracts the armature which then moves to open or close the contacts. When
the current stops, this returns the armature to its original position.