Relay Wiring Diagram Explained

By | March 22, 2023




Relay wiring diagrams are an essential tool in any electrical project. They allow you to visualize and understand the circuit's operation, and provide a quick way to troubleshoot any issues that might arise. Yet, many people find them confusing. This article will explain how relays work and provide a clear explanation of how to interpret the diagrams.

Relays are electromechanical switches that are used to control high-current circuits. In essence, they act like a remote switch. When a small current is applied to the relay’s coil, it closes the contacts and connects the circuit. By understanding the components and symbols used on wiring diagrams, you can more easily interpret the diagrams and create your own circuits.

The three main components of a relay are the coil, contact and armature. The coil is a wire loop that stores energy when an electric current is passed through it. The contact is made of metal and is connected to the coil. When the current is applied to the coil, the contact closes and creates an electrical connection. The armature is a lever attached to the contact that allows the contact to be opened and closed.

On a relay wiring diagram, the coil is represented by a circle, while the contact is shown as a rectangle. The armature is usually drawn as a curved line. The direction of the current flow through the relay is often shown by arrows. Other details such as the voltage and current ratings may also be included on the diagram.

When creating a relay circuit, care must be taken to ensure the correct connections are made. If the wires are crossed, or the connections are incorrect, it can cause a short circuit or even damage the relay. As such, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and double-check your connections.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of how relays work and what the wiring diagram symbols represent, you should be better equipped to interpret the diagrams and create your own circuits. Just remember to always take safety precautions when working with electricity.


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