Methods of Operation for Relays

All relays have the same basic parts including stationary contacts, movable contacts, armature, and magnet. All relays can also be broken into four basic groups that reflect their method of operation. The four basic types of action are horizontal action, bell-crank action, clapper action, and vertical action. All relays today use one of these four methods to open and close their contacts. The original designs have been slightly modified through the years, but the basic principles still remain.