What is a relay primarily used for?

A relay is primarily used to separate two circuits, allowing one circuit to control another without direct electrical connection. This separation is essential for several reasons, including safety and the ability to control high-power devices with low-power signals.

The relay operates by using an electromagnet to open or close a switch. When a low voltage is applied to the coil of the relay, it generates a magnetic field that activates the switch. This action effectively isolates the control circuit from the load circuit, which can carry higher voltages or currents. This characteristic makes relays invaluable in applications where electrical isolation is necessary, such as in automotive systems or industrial control systems.

While enhancing signal strength and amplifying electrical signals relate to the functioning of other components like amplifiers, they do not pertain to a relay’s primary function. Additionally, although relays can be configured to create time delays in circuits by taking advantage of their mechanical operation, that is not their primary function. Their main purpose is indeed to separate and control different circuits effectively.