Video: How do relays work?
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This video covers the basics of the relay used by Verizon Connect.
- A relay is a device that switches a circuit using a separate signal, which is often lower powered.
- The relay we use is a single pole changeover relay. That means we can control one pole of a circuit, and that circuit will switch between open and closed while the relay coil is energized.
- There are two main components of a single pole changeover relay: the coil and the switch contacts.
- Single pole changeover relays have numbered terminals, which are universal.
- Terminal 85 is the negative side of the coil. Terminal 86 is the positive side.
- Terminal 30 is the common contact of the switch.
- Terminal 87 is the normally open contact of the switch. Terminal 87a is the normally closed contact of the switch.
- When voltage is applied across the coil, the switch is activated and terminal 30 is directly connected to terminal 87.
- If one or both of the coil terminals is not connected, the coil is inactive and terminal 30 is connected to terminal 87A.