What is the difference between switch and relay

You are correct that a relay is basically just a switch, but it's a switch operated via remote control, so to speak. A regular switch controls electrical current by connecting or breaking the path of either the positive side of a circuit most common or the negative side of a circuit. A relay does the same thing, but instead of a physical toggle or lever, the contacts that connect or break the circuit are controlled by a small coil inside the relay that is energized or de-energized by a switch that can be mounted elsewhere hence the term "remote control".

While a relay does add an extra step to the switching process, the main advantage is that you can leave the actual switching of high-power circuits for things like off-road lights or air compressors in the engine compartment, and control that switching with a much smaller amperage circuit that energizes the relay's coil via a switch mounted inside the passenger compartment.

It's always good to have high-amperage circuits separated from the passenger compartment by a firewall; should something go wrong with the circuit, there's a physical barrier between vehicle occupants and the potential fire. Smaller amperage circuits also allow the use of physically smaller switches, so packaging is easier.

You will often see circuits carrying less than 20 amps switched directly, while circuits of amps can sometimes be directly switched but will often be controlled by relays. Anything above 40 amps is pretty much always on a relay. Much like switches and relays, fuses and circuit breakers do the same thing, but they go about it in different ways.

To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; - generally with off, from, etc. In electrical engineering, a switch is an electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit, interrupting the electric current or diverting it from one conductor to another.

The most common type of switch is an electromechanical device consisting of one or more sets of movable electrical contacts connected to external circuits. Published: 21 Sep, Relay noun A new set of hounds. Switch noun A device to turn electric current on and off or direct its flow. Relay noun A new set of horses kept along a specific route so that they can replace animals that are tired.

Switch noun A change. Relay noun by extension A new set of anything. Switch noun A movable section of railroad track which allows the train to be directed down one of two destination tracks; point. Relay noun A series of vehicles travelling in sequence. Switch noun A slender woody plant stem used as a whip; a thin, flexible rod, associated with corporal punishment in the United States. Relay noun athletics A track and field discipline where runners take turns in carrying a baton from start to finish.

Switch noun computer science A command line notation allowing specification of optional behavior. Relay noun electronics An electrical actuator that allows a relatively small electrical voltage or current to control a larger voltage or current. Switch noun A programming construct that takes different actions depending on the value of an expression. Relay verb To release a new set of hounds. Switch noun A networking device connecting multiple wires, allowing them to communicate simultaneously, when possible.

Relay verb To place people or horses in relays, such that one can take over from another. Switch noun telecommunication A system of specialized relays, computer hardware, or other equipment which allows the interconnection of a calling party's telephone line with any called party's line.

Relay verb To take on a new relay of horses; to change horses. Switch noun BDSM One who is willing to take either a submissive or a dominant role in a sexual relationship. Relay verb transitive To pass on or transfer information. Switch verb transitive To exchange. Relay verb alternative spelling of re-lay.

Switch verb transitive To change something to the specified state using a switch. Relay verb To lay again; to lay a second time; as, to relay a pavement. Switch verb transitive To whip or hit with a switch. Relay noun A supply of anything arranged beforehand for affording relief from time to time, or at successive stages; provision for successive relief.

Switch verb intransitive To change places, tasks, etc. Relay noun In various forms of telegraphic apparatus, a magnet which receives the circuit current, and is caused by it to bring into into action the power of a local battery for performing the work of making the record; also, a similar device by which the current in one circuit is made to open or close another circuit in which a current is passing. Switch verb To get angry suddenly; to quickly or unreasonably become enraged.

Relay adjective Relating to, or having the characteristics of, an auxiliary apparatus put into action by a feeble force but itself capable of exerting greater force, used to control a comparatively powerful machine or appliance. Switch verb To swing or whisk. Relay noun the act of relaying something. Switch verb To be swung or whisked. Relay noun electrical device such that current flowing through it in one circuit can switch on and off a current in a second circuit.

Switch verb To trim. Switch verb To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; generally with off, from, etc. Relay verb control or operate by relay.

Switch verb ecclesiastical To shift to another circuit. Relay A relay is an electrically operated switch. Switch adjective snowboarding Pertaining to riding with the front and back feet swapped round compared to one's normal position. Switch adjective Pertaining to skiing backwards. Switch noun A small, flexible twig or rod. Switch noun A movable part of a rail; or of opposite rails, for transferring cars from one track to another.

Switch noun A separate mass or trees of hair, or of some substance at jute made to resemble hair, worn on the head by women. Switch noun A device for shifting an electric current to another circuit, or for making and breaking a circuit. What could be simpler than a switch? We have them in homes on the walls, in automobiles and they quite inexpensive in terms of cost. The switches are older and have less current carrying capability.

Different types of Switches are available based on electronic project requirements. Some of them are toggle switch, slide switch, push-button switch, Rocker switch etc. There are some other switches such as Mercury switch motion switches used in burglar alarms and automation. Relays are specially operated electrical switches that can be turned ON or turned OFF remotely from a distant point.

There are different types of relay based on the number of poles. Here are some of the circuit symbols for relays and switches that are commonly used in electronic circuits. A 12V battery is connected to 12V lamp. When the switch S1 is pressed, the current will flow through the battery and the lamp will glow.