More Information on Relays...

What is a Relay?

An electrical relay is a switch that is under the control of another circuit. Relays are usually made with electromagnets, whereas some applications use solid state relays. The main difference between electromagnetic relays and solid state relays is that electromagnetic relays have moving parts, contrary to solid state relays. It is also to be noted that electromagnet relays conserve more energy than solid state relays. An electrical relay can control electrical output that is higher than the electrical input it receives.

Types of Relays

Our navigation bar enables you to quickly refine your search results by primary technical attributes, including coil voltage (e.g. 12V or 24V), operating current and contact arrangements (e.g. SPDT, DPDT). After you have narrowed your relays selection, just click on the product detail link to view the manufacturer's technical data.

If you have a brand preference (e.g. Tyco/TE Electronics, Magnecraft / Schneider Electric, Panasonic, American Zettler, HongFa, Song Chuan) you can easily refine your relay product search results by choosing your preferred name below. You can enter an TE Connectivity part number in the Part Search field above to search for alternative relays with potentially higher performance capabilities.

We stock many of the most common types categorized by several parameters. Our parametric filters will allow you to refine your search results according to the required specifications.

Relays from Future Electronics

Future Electronics has a wide range of relays from several manufacturers. Once you decide if you need Automotive Relays, Power Relays, Reed Relays, Signal Relays, Solid State Relays, IO Modules, Sockets or Relay Accessories, you will be able to choose from their technical attributes and your search results will be narrowed to match your specific relay application needs.

Future Electronics is an industry-leading distributor of electronic and industrial control relays from top relay manufacturers including American Zettler, Hongfa Relays and Panasonic Industrial Devices (formerly Aromat). We have a broad portfolio of Automotive Relays, Low Signal Relays, MOSFET Relays, Power Relays and Solid State Relays (SSR), designed to meet even your most demanding technical requirements.

Applications for Relays:

If you'd like to make your next relay application more energy efficient, we suggest browsing our Panasonic Industrial Devices Energy Efficient Solutions catalog. This unique and innovative line includes PEWA's new range of Solar Inverter Relays with energy saving features that enable a 35-40% reduction in relay coil voltage. Our relay expert Marc Garceau shows you the features and benefits of these pioneering relays. Other applications for relays are:

Amplifying a digital signal

Detecting and isolating faults on transmission and distribution lines

Switching a large amount of power with a small operating power

Switching to a standby power supply

Logic functions

Time delay functions

Vehicle battery isolation

Isolating the controlling circuit from the controlled circuit when both are at different potentials

Choosing the Right Relay:

With the FutureElectronics.com parametric search, when looking for the right relays, you can filter the results by category. We carry the following categories of relays:

Automotive Relays

Power Relays

Reed Relays

Signal Relays

Solid State Relays

Sockets or Relay Accessories

Once you choose the relay category, you can narrow them down by various attributes. You will be able to find the right Automotive Relays, Reed Relays, Solid State Relays, Power Relays, Signal Relays, IO Modules, Sockets or Relay Accessories by using these filters.

Relays in Production Ready Packaging or R&D Quantities

All relays stocked by Future Electronics are available in full production or R&D quantities. Look for our mini-reel service offered for PCB Relays - you can order customized quantities in tape and reel packaging that is production-ready.

Future Electronics also offers its clients a unique bonded inventory program designed to eliminate potential problems that may arise from an unpredictable supply of products that could contain raw metals and products with erratic or long lead times. Talk with your nearest Future Electronics branch and find out more on how you can avoid possible shortages.