Relay is an automatic device. This device is used to control various mechanisms and electrical circuits. In addition, it can be used to protect networks from high loads. With the development of technology, quite a few types of these devices have been created. Today, you can find on sale not only classic 220 V electromagnetic relays, but also electronic devices.
Content
- Main varieties
-
Device device
- Principle of operation and purpose
- Application area
- Features of choice
Main varieties
These devices are classified according to several parameters. One of them is the way of switching on - shunt and series. They are also often referred to as voltage and current windings, respectively.
The second type of classification is by core material:
- Neutral.
- Polarizing.

Devices of the first type are capable of operating in any direction of the electric current passing through them. The third important parameter for the classification of contactors is the type of control signal.
It is customary to distinguish several types of devices:
-
The 220 V electromagnetic relay has a magnet in the structure, with the help of which the contacts are switched.
- Solid state - the control circuit is assembled on thyristors.
- Thermal relay - the main element of the design is a thermostat.
- Optical devices - the luminous flux is used for control.
Also, devices may differ in the number of windings. Most often, devices with one or two coils are used in electrical engineering. There are also contactors with three windings, but this happens quite rarely.
Device device
Almost all devices have a similar design, although there are exceptions. For example, in reed contactors, all elements are connected by electrodes.
The relays consist of the following parts:
- Housings.
- Anchors.
- Coils.
- Contacts (movable or fixed).

All these elements are mounted in the housing. The anchor is attached to the base by means of a spring and can be rotated by acting on the contacts. If there is current in the circuit, then it passes through the coil winding, and an electromagnetic field arises in the core. It is thanks to this that the anchor is attracted, closing the contacts. As soon as the electric current disappears, the relay returns to its original state.
Principle of operation and purpose
Situations are possible in which electrical appliances and networks cannot function normally without the use of a 220 V AC relay. Most often this is due to the need to manage multidirectional contacts. For example, a motion sensor and two conductors are connected to the electrical circuit. Then one actuator must interact with the sensor, and the second must supply electricity to the lamp.
As a result, the following is observed:
-
The current flows to the first intermediate relay 220 V, which closes the contacts of the next one.
- The second device has higher characteristics and is designed to work with large electric currents.
If a high current flows in the electrical network, then one device is not enough to ensure its safety and a second contactor cannot be dispensed with.
Application area
Intermediate relays can perform a variety of functions as auxiliary devices. As a result, these devices are widely used in electrical engineering. A small-sized device is indispensable in the following situations:
-
It is necessary to turn on one electrical circuit, while turning off the second.
- To reduce the current load.
The small-sized 220 V AC relay is actively used in situations when the main switch cannot cope with its work, for example, it has to maintain a large number of circuits. An intermediate relay can be considered a communicator designed to monitor electrical loads in circuits. Today it is difficult to find a field of technology in which relays are not used.
Features of choice
The principle of operation may differ depending on the type of device. When choosing a device, you must focus on the indicators of the input and output network. Among the main characteristics of the relay are:
-
The triggering power is the minimum indicator that the receiving device must meet in order for the communicator to trigger.
- Controlled power - the maximum value at which the relay copes with the task.
- Response time - the period during which the device starts to work after the appearance of an electric current at the input terminals.
Classical electromagnetic devices continue to be actively used today. If high performance is required for the correct operation of the circuit, then preference should be given to polarizing devices. If frequent switching of contacts is required, then a reed switch contactor will be the best choice. The installation of contactors is not very difficult. Most often, a DID rail is used to install them. The device can be mounted not only horizontally, but also vertically.