Smart Relays

Smart relay switches are operated electrically and integrate with smart automation systems to wirelessly control electrical circuits. This can be especially helpful in a smart building to allow you to turn devices on and off using a smartphone or voice assistant. They can also be integrated with automated schedules.

Relays use electromagnetic induction to operate. The coil around the core of the relay is energised by electricity from the power source controlling it, creating a magnetic field that attracts the contact and completes the circuit within the relay, turning the load being controlled off or on.

Smart relay switches are a great tool for simple control tasks such as controlling when lights get turned on and off in a smart building, but they may not be up to the task of automating more complex applications that require advanced programming.

There are four main electrical relay contact types:
SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) - the most basic contact type as it controls just one circuit with one pole, existing only in an open or closed state (one of which will conduct).

SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) - a single pole can swing between two positions (NC and NO terminal, generally), both of which will conduct. SPDT still controls only one circuit at a time.

DPST (Double Pole Single Throw) - basically a pair of SPST relays, these can operate two separate circuits individually but each can only be set to an open or closed position (one of which will conduct).

DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) - allowing for more control of two separate circuits (both of which can be set to one out of two conductive positions), this is the most malleable of the main relay types.