Switches & Relays
Switches and relays are control components that open and close circuits manually or electrically. Switches are mechanical, while relays are electrically triggered.
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Tactile buttons, DIP switches, toggle/slide switches, electromechanical relays and solid-state relays (SSR) are the main types. Contact current/voltage rating, contact configuration (NO/NC), coil voltage and mechanical life matter when choosing one. User interfaces, power switching and isolated control are the most common applications.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a relay and a transistor switch?+
A relay provides full electrical isolation with mechanical contacts and can switch AC/high power but is slow and wears out; a transistor/SSR is fast and silent but may need extra circuitry for isolation.
What do NO and NC contacts mean?+
An NO (Normally Open) contact is open when the relay is de-energized and closes when energized; NC (Normally Closed) is the opposite. The load's default state is set according to need.
When should I choose a solid-state relay (SSR)?+
An SSR has no moving parts; it is silent, fast and long-lived. It is preferred for AC load control that needs frequent switching without mechanical wear.