Relay current plays a pivotal role in the operation of electrical circuits, especially in automation and control systems. It refers to the amount of current flowing through a relay’s components, such as the coil and contacts, which directly influences the relay’s performance and lifespan. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of relay current, how it functions, and its importance in various applications, from industrial machines to everyday household appliances.
What is Relay Current? Relay current primarily refers to two key aspects of a relay’s operation： the coil current and the load current. Coil Current： The coil current is the electrical current that flows through the relay’s coil when it is energized. The coil creates a magnetic field when current passes through it, which causes the relay’s contacts to move, either opening or closing. The coil current is typically low and is responsible for activating the relay. In many applications, this current is DC (direct current), but in others, especially industrial systems, it could also be AC (alternating current). The coil current is usually determined by the coil voltage and the resistance of the coil itself.