It's a Relay Race Here at SparkFun

23:I[3004,["/_next/static/chunks/0h2qsuyze9ds1.js","/_next/static/chunks/1ymt1shyhmu-4.js","/_next/static/chunks/291ciwmgtp_xc.js","/_next/static/chunks/2owa30hnifmhr.js","/_next/static/chunks/3-jqhyvw3d7y0.js","/_next/static/chunks/21h5qhhcg7tzz.js","/_next/static/chunks/3euacrioc5_13.js","/_next/static/chunks/03wn0-bzh3abk.js","/_next/static/chunks/3h6uqn9kl0thz.js"],"EmailPreview"] 26:I[27201,["/_next/static/chunks/0h2qsuyze9ds1.js","/_next/static/chunks/1ymt1shyhmu-4.js","/_next/static/chunks/291ciwmgtp_xc.js","/_next/static/chunks/2owa30hnifmhr.js"],"IconMark"] 24:T1054d, It's a Relay Race Here at SparkFun

View in browser

WHAT'S NEW TOP SELLERS QWIIC MICROMOD REDBOARDS THING+ TUTORIALS

Controlling a standard wall outlet device with your microcontroller shouldn't mean risking a dangerous encounter with live AC wiring. The IoT Power Relay is a fully enclosed, easily controllable power unit that lets you safely switch heavy loads using an Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or any standard single-board computer. Serving as a modern alternative to the Power Switch Tail, this relay is the perfect choice when building Internet of Things projects and smart home automations with total peace of mind.

The Easiest Way to Use a Relay

Have you ever wanted to control something powerful, or needed to turn a high-power device on or off from your Arduino or another low-powered microcontroller? The SparkFun Qwiic Single Relay is the easiest-to-use relay yet. It can handle up to 5.5A at 240VAC for long periods and lets you control large power loads with simple I2C commands. Utilizing our handy Qwiic Connect System and on-board screw terminals, no soldering is required to connect it!

A Relay with Scalable Control Via I2C

This solid-state relay (SSR) can switch current loads of up to 40A with a 3-32V DC input and a zero-cross trigger control method. Each relay is equipped with four screw terminals (for use with ring or fork connectors) and a plastic cover that slides over the top of the relay to protect the terminals.

Control High-Current AC Loads from Lower-Voltage Circuitry

Relays can be a great, safe way to control high-power systems using an isolated, low-power signal and to quickly connect or disconnect circuits. There are several types of relays, and their functions differ slightly. Take a look at the pros and cons of traditional mechanical relays vs. solid-state relays.

Switching to Different Relays

25:T41c2,Let's take a look at the pros and cons of traditional mechanical relays vs solid state relays, and some options for both! View in browser (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HF5m_5PW69t95C6lZ3mGN58M59_2BjpMN5r8fmHsjwrqW3HGR3w3DxYQHW4tWMH81_LYsWW1xtJMs5k6gcKW1bvxq43kxc8DW3RYnnc6W77lNW2gl1Hk3SRZZgW1MzQ6r1BFzdGN94hRpdb_BQbW2gCSjz3PXmWsW8dVWQz47MSFJW8_nWkN3qVSjdW3DrNjn1xy70qW1KwvPg4MBTgsW3H8YC42Cj9VtW77Gh_0784sY9VZn_qf48VDZXW2wLr-h1zxZPWW3wPDHC7NRBnkN9gsQfVDN5VRN98855W5snGHW2LDPtG6Rcw83W59Vh2p98rL3ZW5yKqGS95twP_VjVccD8WjVdBW6DPg6t6TJvt0W7ZHmvB3K8CjjW2pbMbw1K79nyW3g225L3PHTDFW6Czpzk2Qnvx9W8G7hY11TJWYVW17BdgW5B2STLW2NHXf72NDHy5W2lB6N43n8DxSW8KlRSt7dfY2Yf48F4L604 ) SparkFun Logo (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HY3prCCW6N1vHY6lZ3nWW5QCzV31F8RNZW4Vntkj2hGgf7W99YvMd4S_MdfW6h0hQn6PkBXWW8Qwc3h1V8--0W50HX3P7y76McW14PSKB4xwqxKVyQ_Lj4ytLCjVbQYq17qd91KN4qWdbprCJ0fW2_BYgw4F9-k_W2rpHTf6DCWJ7W1lCzfR5zKVTVW4Pl0f32N04dFW4JYQns83H3Y0W57fhs17m0LD7W3y39Jc9jBqyjW5zDbJ16n8x6fN4hH1B4NHVbmV3JSWW1JHywWW8JG1sS4Pg0vQW8ycYN941cPkxf3dr92804 ) WHAT'S NEW (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jx3prCCW7Y8-PT6lZ3lJW6dl2fz6FQpmBW99BPYp2fc1NWW66gYJN1Df4YkW94R9Hp93w259W1r9XYh5m-nQVW5YzVJ74wH_bmVynpQd8SsQrgW5vBbtd52QrGTW3cQsTX6v0FyvW85TSyC2HV1jfW7P9hbl3KLvSMW6j8NwK5GFc8nW3v28KL4PNMgKW22fqcC3dxV53W7qFvns7tgVV4W3F-v0X8mJ2pRF85T8p5x9jqW8n959z49XjP8VQctp-70zKqqW4jGfsW4dNC_sW3fZF7W1GwMCdW2JffnD4rc_8VW3tNj601V01-lN2rV-nqHL-88W4cWx4Z2Dtbp8W3gd2bb7mSvslf60XPC004 ) TOP SELLERS (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3mrW3yZVmC55fH21W4xwMqp7LgMyNW6wN3zy243KzTW7wJpYq7WRpSMW4bBP2q8CVgGkW3BfFvm5FZJFmW4GJkP812DLBRW4YmDVG8sgbK-W866wbG8JFBgHW3-7t924h25YZN8hNMQqSG8SJW97c3by1QW6KvW4qk9X266-609W6fGLbV9dVnRXW1rNXqc2b6bf4W922T435Jm8xzW5NFz7D5nr7lLW3XrMYB4kVy2QVfyxwl4M40hrN5vPMgcrlPznW4Yz6Q24hRWhnW5P2G-F8SqKwFVBhbfm2QfqlzW6cs5gq83Mcy-dC4nNP04 ) QWIIC (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HY3prCCW6N1vHY6lZ3kNW2kT5rp2XdBrkF5BGRVqXtwpW2gcyHb1JmkRtW2Kj4rS5XhtJCW1QSTCz5WMXL-W7rQM294lmDc8W6J5R0T5cWsftW34VfsM5-kDmwW5S2ckD6--G_NVg0v-Q5jW8tFW4f_ykH8nQ1Y0N7tp7ND3P6bcW3Gjswn3zgtSJW8HRQFk7Cv-h6W11T-hq69jH0CVBc9SS7CjQfKW30C3hq8J1t3WW9b3k0B7rK_PxW1D6zQr4MDZ-mW2ZpzyH1Bsm--W363jgS8xXXtNW8Cwmrr331Nmzf39FgBz04 ) MICROMOD (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3nlW6TvJV_2Vb-JWN8DP9cSRkF5VW8H6N_G7fV8RjW5q4HH_4Myj1jN2xGCB_nCj3YW1xkmX47DZS7xW4k0sY_1st997W2hJxmd49kG34W60D6tJ7qF8rzW2hlp1y3VJtW7W28zX4z3nBfD0W9lJZS44gP7YcW16yfsj7sfs3NW15gpp13WlFRWVdlQfS7ntyJQW7kSy5t5gcQSTVpmMTj5XMTQhVr85QJ6kW3FbW59QJRP5CgZzPW4L05Zp8Br0ffW96WrPy538jPQW7hpRGZ8CcpL-W6PCXZZ2D8g8SW4XyQH91JP1hmf6s6lN204 ) REDBOARDS (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3lPW8j6pXJ3jxJXTW6N3Qyf6Wp4XHW2DFGrY32kLtNW3lCr9m1Z2l8pVbw-511jnr7bW91kl8Y24S9zWW6SLT2P7y3PQMW7Rtctx37LnJdW8f9yZr6d-rYtW3-rwZR3DkdGLW2dCB1s3fv_d8W6t0R7p3yC6QfW3VSKqz8PM_13W4vhTpf2ynrQBV4Z6S82ZGSrpW725TCL3wjpBvVWydkB2J0-RFW2J1Rg81KD9xNW4G5FgV6qbW0FW5ndMNw3mk3FDVgDkFn328xYnW47_CPh2YBK6vW5byq4t5Y1rwTW7f41239d9fpYf5l0KQq04 ) THING+ (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3nVVwZX4Q7X1nJPW4rdTMz32DS3fW7cJ4pL5xM6mFN6K0NMXq1ft1W2RlT6Y4cHFKrW2GHcKY94KtCGW82Gksc4s7vXMW6MXH095sK05mN3WRDKS9DmqWN6R-nDRFxZlbN5Z5Fb45L1s2W5dmd0H4TMcL-W8qdT8g10d7WQW52h4Cc5WH29TW2Rgc6j3X7xNlW8N922C60hBsYW4zBGHg5WwNsdW8nzKd460fLTWW3szmW04JjBftW5htGPp3xn8PqW5QwhGY6_bZGLW58wCz66kr42KW85HxSC53DrxSW5y2Ddq6jn5-Vf8Gw-4C04 ) TUTORIALS (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3kHW7d3bWw2xJLy5VkY3454H9Pb1W77zq154KcPhrW36Rgc65cmQYHW8RgV5-59LFwrW4cc6Gg2jMztdW8j0tcy8yGR_BV3DypC5SBXDlW99l74z2chpttW3lQ05S8vhyfQW20L6-p5rBfVsVHnFpk50QYkvW155gbS5lDn-rW2lW8yv5R9LD6N5M7SXTgZzgtW1fjyGq7R2tV9W1yKyYT5vY8c4W79LslP8Ctr2vW4hr2hM86t7RgW1JD2h39j6tKhW2x9PTW75PxxsW2-GLGS6D7H7mN5nhGGXHHZ75W7VPNd880RC7Wf7V4WyY04 ) 14236-01 (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3nnN8gDB9Nd8hX4W5Gz0Jg4MKwDDW7mQt-P2Z8xwCN7cZm-MLWnDQW43wtWy2Qgjr4N7l9D5vs40MJW4PjBXF3w24rTW3crmqD3_D-c4N9jcwTfZb-bRN1qNrQHDZb8WW2vf46H4dK_7wW9gDfX62VNvVCW4mf7mY7MfNMGW4c4ZFq2gJXDDW57SlF_12rtfbN8CSLv-wNRt3W709M0m3gfJgVW4r0Sm01sT12YV8cWwr7FD-P7W6jy0zG6RgG9lN1YpKV2p856DW8db11M2yQdq9W5x9HPb8SNDHYW22t4bW20_JNVf3qr4Tn04 ) Controlling a standard wall outlet device with your microcontroller shouldn't mean risking a dangerous encounter with live AC wiring. The IoT Power Relay (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3nnN8gDB9Nd8hX4W5Gz0Jg4MKwDDW7mQt-P2Z8xwCN7cZm-MLWnDQW43wtWy2Qgjr4N7l9D5vs40MJW4PjBXF3w24rTW3crmqD3_D-c4N9jcwTfZb-bRN1qNrQHDZb8WW2vf46H4dK_7wW9gDfX62VNvVCW4mf7mY7MfNMGW4c4ZFq2gJXDDW57SlF_12rtfbN8CSLv-wNRt3W709M0m3gfJgVW4r0Sm01sT12YV8cWwr7FD-P7W6jy0zG6RgG9lN1YpKV2p856DW8db11M2yQdq9W5x9HPb8SNDHYW22t4bW20_JNVf3qr4Tn04 ) is a fully enclosed, easily controllable power unit that lets you safely switch heavy loads using an Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or any standard single-board computer. Serving as a modern alternative to the Power Switch Tail, this relay is the perfect choice when building Internet of Things projects and smart home automations with total peace of mind. The Easiest Way to Use a Relay (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3nnN8gDB9Nd8hX4W5Gz0Jg4MKwDDW7mQt-P2Z8xwCN7cZm-MLWnDQW43wtWy2Qgjr4N7l9D5vs40MJW4PjBXF3w24rTW3crmqD3_D-c4N9jcwTfZb-bRN1qNrQHDZb8WW2vf46H4dK_7wW9gDfX62VNvVCW4mf7mY7MfNMGW4c4ZFq2gJXDDW57SlF_12rtfbN8CSLv-wNRt3W709M0m3gfJgVW4r0Sm01sT12YV8cWwr7FD-P7W6jy0zG6RgG9lN1YpKV2p856DW8db11M2yQdq9W5x9HPb8SNDHYW22t4bW20_JNVf3qr4Tn04 ) Qwiic-Relay-Review (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jx3prCCW7Y8-PT6lZ3mpTBn3Z4st5kFVvslp91N9gvyVHLXlC37zxJPN2NvW70dCpq6VCV24-87gzJ5W88W-MZ2pqfqvN1jXdvjH0g0FMLmvfL5gFf_W3PjFkN6W1SgFW98hSNh3Pb9jfVqSx9Y4_yCYQW33PGd3530LGjN6zjYXnMNbjZW7-ZsXG1L4sx0W1YvsK23ZKd_vW64sZmd6CPjYhW35THxH2JPGgYM3JhjzR4WF9W3-ky1R1jZ_F_W1W54P05dSqyyW6NsV635J20ffW4QcLPt303zwzW4kkcsl50v3tdN6SdspCf3zLRW6FZjHq1wdmVBW4cZtJN47sPBkf5JtmrY04 ) Have you ever wanted to control something powerful, or needed to turn a high-power device on or off from your Arduino or another low-powered microcontroller? The SparkFun Qwiic Single Relay (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jx3prCCW7Y8-PT6lZ3mpTBn3Z4st5kFVvslp91N9gvyVHLXlC37zxJPN2NvW70dCpq6VCV24-87gzJ5W88W-MZ2pqfqvN1jXdvjH0g0FMLmvfL5gFf_W3PjFkN6W1SgFW98hSNh3Pb9jfVqSx9Y4_yCYQW33PGd3530LGjN6zjYXnMNbjZW7-ZsXG1L4sx0W1YvsK23ZKd_vW64sZmd6CPjYhW35THxH2JPGgYM3JhjzR4WF9W3-ky1R1jZ_F_W1W54P05dSqyyW6NsV635J20ffW4QcLPt303zwzW4kkcsl50v3tdN6SdspCf3zLRW6FZjHq1wdmVBW4cZtJN47sPBkf5JtmrY04 ) is the easiest-to-use relay yet. It can handle up to 5.5A at 240VAC for long periods and lets you control large power loads with simple I2C commands. Utilizing our handy Qwiic Connect System (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HY3prCCW6N1vHY6lZ3kNW2kT5rp2XdBrkF5BGRVqXtwpW2gcyHb1JmkRtW2Kj4rS5XhtJCW1QSTCz5WMXL-W7rQM294lmDc8W6J5R0T5cWsftW34VfsM5-kDmwW5S2ckD6--G_NVg0v-Q5jW8tFW4f_ykH8nQ1Y0N7tp7ND3P6bcW3Gjswn3zgtSJW8HRQFk7Cv-h6W11T-hq69jH0CVBc9SS7CjQfKW30C3hq8J1t3WW9b3k0B7rK_PxW1D6zQr4MDZ-mW2ZpzyH1Bsm--W363jgS8xXXtNW8Cwmrr331Nmzf39FgBz04 ) and on-board screw terminals, no soldering is required to connect it! A Relay with Scalable Control Via I2C (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jx3prCCW7Y8-PT6lZ3mpTBn3Z4st5kFVvslp91N9gvyVHLXlC37zxJPN2NvW70dCpq6VCV24-87gzJ5W88W-MZ2pqfqvN1jXdvjH0g0FMLmvfL5gFf_W3PjFkN6W1SgFW98hSNh3Pb9jfVqSx9Y4_yCYQW33PGd3530LGjN6zjYXnMNbjZW7-ZsXG1L4sx0W1YvsK23ZKd_vW64sZmd6CPjYhW35THxH2JPGgYM3JhjzR4WF9W3-ky1R1jZ_F_W1W54P05dSqyyW6NsV635J20ffW4QcLPt303zwzW4kkcsl50v3tdN6SdspCf3zLRW6FZjHq1wdmVBW4cZtJN47sPBkf5JtmrY04 ) 13015-01 (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313JR3prCCW8wLKSR6lZ3lwVp-kzK964sNyW3Yr6nQ9bw9mgW8xp9m05ZLwrgW44ScXv4wBM7dW1PfClZ6rrmpqW45hbM43LrN_pW1YdcVm4KYDVqW1CKW9W8T416_W10pq7T73QRq8N2C3ZthlJBjTW2KpwGv11m5ygW2qcnTF103bT7W2k9_w-5Xz7jlW92_Vqp2CWFRrW2B_M_73qRv73N2K8P6cptXm4W7L5cgf4SS2ybW4wVXJX6fdmDlV38FDJ4q4wh1W2rdGRD6mlmHzW4TYBL_6nWBFnN4RBrQ4ZKXmTW8L5Jh05J8qq_W5kB2VM5RT30DW6NTbwC3M5lV-W8fXc6897KHH7W1_3PY85hV7gLN7NxVlRw2PFyf1qqG7b04 ) This solid-state relay (SSR) (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313JR3prCCW8wLKSR6lZ3lwVp-kzK964sNyW3Yr6nQ9bw9mgW8xp9m05ZLwrgW44ScXv4wBM7dW1PfClZ6rrmpqW45hbM43LrN_pW1YdcVm4KYDVqW1CKW9W8T416_W10pq7T73QRq8N2C3ZthlJBjTW2KpwGv11m5ygW2qcnTF103bT7W2k9_w-5Xz7jlW92_Vqp2CWFRrW2B_M_73qRv73N2K8P6cptXm4W7L5cgf4SS2ybW4wVXJX6fdmDlV38FDJ4q4wh1W2rdGRD6mlmHzW4TYBL_6nWBFnN4RBrQ4ZKXmTW8L5Jh05J8qq_W5kB2VM5RT30DW6NTbwC3M5lV-W8fXc6897KHH7W1_3PY85hV7gLN7NxVlRw2PFyf1qqG7b04 ) can switch current loads of up to 40A with a 3-32V DC input and a zero-cross trigger control method. Each relay is equipped with four screw terminals (for use with ring or fork connectors) and a plastic cover that slides over the top of the relay to protect the terminals. Control High-Current AC Loads from Lower-Voltage Circuitry (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313JR3prCCW8wLKSR6lZ3lwVp-kzK964sNyW3Yr6nQ9bw9mgW8xp9m05ZLwrgW44ScXv4wBM7dW1PfClZ6rrmpqW45hbM43LrN_pW1YdcVm4KYDVqW1CKW9W8T416_W10pq7T73QRq8N2C3ZthlJBjTW2KpwGv11m5ygW2qcnTF103bT7W2k9_w-5Xz7jlW92_Vqp2CWFRrW2B_M_73qRv73N2K8P6cptXm4W7L5cgf4SS2ybW4wVXJX6fdmDlV38FDJ4q4wh1W2rdGRD6mlmHzW4TYBL_6nWBFnN4RBrQ4ZKXmTW8L5Jh05J8qq_W5kB2VM5RT30DW6NTbwC3M5lV-W8fXc6897KHH7W1_3PY85hV7gLN7NxVlRw2PFyf1qqG7b04 ) Template-DOTW2025-Newsletter (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3lzV2sqNd6X1W7_W6ZMFpP7gLNrcW2hx3QN1RtzhjW5Q4K8k6FHSDrW3-H_vr19JQHqW4T_STR3n-gzwW7zYRXm5hq_G6W6CHND44DnC4lW5kDTX42thKf9W4DR0z_4vRh4ZVwFHWp59kfk-W7XpSn61GchhjW89G3_d3Zkp3KW49_xRk4xBBJBW7KwRGJ3fwQjcW8c_qBM8FB25pW98c0sb1Nd68XW1XWxhZ396NPhW65Yz9x7b4Fr1W1khzvw49S1JMW8JwgRk8prTDMW284CsV73TPbhW6870mF6KsJx8VCtvNc65L6nYf4v-TDl04 ) Switching to Different Relays (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HY3prCCW6N1vHY6lZ3m-W6TK1gT9jmWlkW5xlDgS4v7wtxW8D-THq2Z7g6jW2dxffV6b5YdNVZ0qfB35Px9HW2jLct85l_VlkW2nJ6_k3XstnRW8S90Sf2FHqkfW6kCkfh3gNVSjW8P1NV019dSTlW5tKhw32bj7_SW2mWnN-1VjsPBVMzGcY58cBYxW4Ml-mH5G1dqlW4yshfw1qB_3RW4qNr3734DKsdVLh2Km6MnHgFW5vmtzD5lKfP9W3JKmh_2TB7GMW8_hLGy1GtgX7W461ptB5mwcRdW3kX7HQ8GSGqxf2QG7Y004 ) Relays can be a great, safe way to control high-power systems using an isolated, low-power signal and to quickly connect or disconnect circuits. There are several types of relays, and their functions differ slightly. Take a look (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HY3prCCW6N1vHY6lZ3m-W6TK1gT9jmWlkW5xlDgS4v7wtxW8D-THq2Z7g6jW2dxffV6b5YdNVZ0qfB35Px9HW2jLct85l_VlkW2nJ6_k3XstnRW8S90Sf2FHqkfW6kCkfh3gNVSjW8P1NV019dSTlW5tKhw32bj7_SW2mWnN-1VjsPBVMzGcY58cBYxW4Ml-mH5G1dqlW4yshfw1qB_3RW4qNr3734DKsdVLh2Km6MnHgFW5vmtzD5lKfP9W3JKmh_2TB7GMW8_hLGy1GtgX7W461ptB5mwcRdW3kX7HQ8GSGqxf2QG7Y004 ) at the pros and cons of traditional mechanical relays vs. solid-state relays. Switching to Different Relays (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HY3prCCW6N1vHY6lZ3m-W6TK1gT9jmWlkW5xlDgS4v7wtxW8D-THq2Z7g6jW2dxffV6b5YdNVZ0qfB35Px9HW2jLct85l_VlkW2nJ6_k3XstnRW8S90Sf2FHqkfW6kCkfh3gNVSjW8P1NV019dSTlW5tKhw32bj7_SW2mWnN-1VjsPBVMzGcY58cBYxW4Ml-mH5G1dqlW4yshfw1qB_3RW4qNr3734DKsdVLh2Km6MnHgFW5vmtzD5lKfP9W3JKmh_2TB7GMW8_hLGy1GtgX7W461ptB5mwcRdW3kX7HQ8GSGqxf2QG7Y004 ) YouTube (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3pZW62cyk438lKvTW8_TxMm9knBqqW2_XN6j6HS27PVBxT5h3tbLFBW5z7lfj5Jc_w-W300-3X3bSbl6VbPv0g8Pkg_4W5N5HQ161q0sNW30l-mg7VpzkkN9kJ9xZc68NMW7S4RXd3JWRtVVLNXvj5VZj8_W13jGjF848pdrW2XtSpK6vslldW8k_jjk4jyY3xW17gwt97V56zkW8_6wGj3RWcb-W6Hc5vT4sDn1nW7LXBKx8ZNNWTW4pzMyz1XKSlbW8HYHf578MCtsW9j0y0D81nqM9N6tpF0sVc5LvV5GpCS7pzCXGf7dkx9Y04 ) Instagram (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3lgW63NWxV8h0V-gW6kNG7N6rdl1nW2snhZK2gd0hxW1p93gm13Nz9cW6tLj595XNKzDVT1sKM2Fvz1gW7WB15M3NTY1pW44BK0t3tp9R_W2fY32j6vKdbNW6sfvt39dhSj7W1dHW527P0SNLW88wJ-25ryBKXW8sCW6R6CKxf9W2CBjFn7ccH8XN8bFZJYmK1JgN2K7-dS3DfNxW6dHDbH5KGKvJW2rQRZK5NnnWtW2mkTXC8kYb9JW2S46wY7f-kdjW6NtTkq2JtgPkW3WsG6K6md8w9W63TQ4R7cnTQ-W5-vwJW5Ws6QDf1pWDlC04 ) Twitter (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HY3prCCW6N1vHY6lZ3nWW93HF1B6Vx_5XN3jW3dYm658GW2SGyzn5TqXwVW4vJ9Y83yCy7pW2QjVwb7r0cdqW5JsBvf2cdkP0W6v_c0S8_djSpW67qvdt3X-HDJW2w4q061crJjRV64Qh88Tv1W3W8K8klR6P2CfpW1S8XTg8ttxRRW1gSz0f2VBG2SW7Wbr427MN3hMW6CxN0G6DCcncW4gd65Z3ClBRLVvVxF43QQnpyVVX-p61p_cS_W8Kh2Hr72dBwfV42VPs2VDT7JW5wJXDF5830RCW191cds5XfZMBdwZHcK04 ) facebook (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jd3prCCW7lCdLW6lZ3ncW2lL3VJ2GNRJgN54FgZwZYHBtW8tXZqs5Z2D15W7RjWMB7HyjT9W7sD7lr3-H07dW1BNPgF1ncHX2W71vZQN3chbnyW5Sy2BP7Qq9lKW7MF-744k_jl7V5y1SJ32q_LKW6bqWpk4b1cXYN2sSjmnBJs93W9lmsgx91bD8jN95Hdnxy6HtHW2MqYMv35VmwQW8nNw0F41hJmqW51Dml84BtHD0W6Y-fwj705sy3W3QS0z03g_nt9W3KHXKT5LHvRyW6Qk3gB5QRlzdW7djdJX1lp9n8VzlmvD31VJcGW9663Vv4QD3M4f3g_n5P04 ) LinkedIn (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313Jx3prCCW7Y8-PT6lZ3pxW3GSgnN61q3ZwW4FDwHb17kDlfW17l14m2ZhPN3W3tFX294cVhc1W1v2Yh74Z5SYFW74p_371pwrFxN3_M8Yhr3dZRW1XrsPF4xDQn7W5r5RJ21wl5GfW6981fC81PVRsW1hkhcq3-JStxW875sPB8gszTQW8kxKdn4Fhw4pW4RP2nF2JQ2ZVW7wTFm_83TfczW6tbg4-1t3cyXW5SLV3j57-W8FW3X3bjq28dBdxW3V7pvB34GZ8QN5NZ4ZScCbjqW6R-FJ-5Cyn7xW1hN40x2kr2LHW1bVkQS5v_pkvW2Fqzjl73WRwjW5brqw23SrQtXN137m5X7G3jJf42wkWn04 ) github-logo (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HY3prCCW6N1vHY6lZ3nFW1yVW-26rc0DsW97Mvbq1GmKdvW1RVmqZ1GzLp-VkTM318yZ8DbMPL13s3Gq31W3r3M8d5qMbwCW89jFKK85L06KW8v82wv6DV2L8W8mJHSf5QcnYpW8HDxxP6y7C7GW60f42c8Htk9PW4f1jmr36R1x1W9fjVHl7LPqnQN2cc_bcLjwfYW3dVWwz8lPnSDW1b_cwQ61L3h1W3rZY6j1PbsX6THtxd6F9-RqW2W6SVK4QRtr2W1Jy9sM2S6NgDW4jzH3N2XHVMkW6mqZyj5K460sf2mv4Dv04 ) SparkFun Electronics, 6333 Drycreek Pkwy, Niwot, CO 80503 Unsubscribe (https://info.sparkfun.com/hs/preferences-center/en/direct?data=W2nXS-N30h-GWW2vNMSy49kCsYW1_mQgF2Tx1dqW45D0Mz2FM4sJW4pGbFq49lwQmW3yQF4Y3j7cQMW1BDLkN21gX0GW34f6XG1Sz_B_W3XV1yQ2qXGVrW2zJygf3M1T3pW1SxYPp4mtnMfW4rfhF349DTs2W1-XFZZ366BPGW36kSZb1BL0_dW2Tvmrh2vxT71W22TGtr49LKCyW3z3pPm2szMwlW346Sqb1LgBm8W4mdRRw216Jn_W4pBSDs38jt6CW45pnBN1Y-mpNW1Nv1Hv21b1W1W1Qc_3830Hlr1W346V5k3F6jc6W2qWt0q2KDS2TW3dnY-j1L71X2W4kNnF72p3Nx8W2HJn9b3NCS0WW3XP0c42-bR1FW2Tt_q92TtB-JW1VpbyM24Vl4wW2qM7HF2FMXkjW2szgZ73VwC1QW3FfnVV2sZ987W3_Wg5143zJcCW2WhKX43D-p4vW2FS26F1Ztqx8W2-MPn12r0_WRW3JDfYh41BPFQW2p3prc2nF1YTW34xtS03M9PjfW4tx6hK36cFhXW49RHDS4rGlmXW45TkXz36fJQgW3dt8gK2vKtBWW2YqHtM2WPT3fW3SHzn84pmmcpW32pBPN49vQs8W2TCcp84p9LzfW38DWfC2sBZsRW2MxGdX3LXhX0W1_rZSn36k4qTW2CSP0g3NDBG9W3GYST13C2lD1W3V-BFP2RkqSrW2TSwlk2zP6cxW2Ctl_p1Brhg2W3H6tMN4fQW_Lf2CPmW104&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93u5K-Ppk0D1ZKqbs4sYFBhBXgUpbJcbRT5FBtcLFhix1kLbvcujox838G2DPKRiXSDkrT8DAvoATkyhogS5Q2JXhzyA&_hsmi=433195407 ) Manage preferences (https://info.sparkfun.com/hs/preferences-center/en/page?data=W2nXS-N30h-GWW2vNMSy49kCsYW1_mQgF2Tx1dqW45D0Mz2FM4sJW4pGbFq49lwQmW3yQF4Y3j7cQMW1BDLkN21gX0GW34f6XG1Sz_B_W3XV1yQ2qXGVrW2zJygf3M1T3pW1SxYPp4mtnMfW4rfhF349DTs2W1-XFZZ366BPGW36kSZb1BL0_dW2Tvmrh2vxT71W22TGtr49LKCyW3z3pPm2szMwlW346Sqb1LgBm8W4mdRRw216Jn_W4pBSDs38jt6CW45pnBN1Y-mpNW1Nv1Hv21b1W1W1Qc_3830Hlr1W346V5k3F6jc6W2qWt0q2KDS2TW3dnY-j1L71X2W4kNnF72p3Nx8W2HJn9b3NCS0WW3XP0c42-bR1FW2Tt_q92TtB-JW1VpbyM24Vl4wW2qM7HF2FMXkjW2szgZ73VwC1QW3FfnVV2sZ987W3_Wg5143zJcCW2WhKX43D-p4vW2FS26F1Ztqx8W2-MPn12r0_WRW3JDfYh41BPFQW2p3prc2nF1YTW34xtS03M9PjfW4tx6hK36cFhXW49RHDS4rGlmXW45TkXz36fJQgW3dt8gK2vKtBWW2YqHtM2WPT3fW3SHzn84pmmcpW32pBPN49vQs8W2TCcp84p9LzfW38DWfC2sBZsRW2MxGdX3LXhX0W1_rZSn36k4qTW2CSP0g3NDBG9W3GYST13C2lD1W3V-BFP2RkqSrW2TSwlk2zP6cxW2Ctl_p1Brhg2W3H6tMN4fQW_Lf2CPmW104&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93u5K-Ppk0D1ZKqbs4sYFBhBXgUpbJcbRT5FBtcLFhix1kLbvcujox838G2DPKRiXSDkrT8DAvoATkyhogS5Q2JXhzyA&_hsmi=433195407 ) 1f:["$","article",null,{"className":"min-w-0 flex-1 overflow-hidden","aria-label":"It's a Relay Race Here at SparkFun!","children":["$","$L23",null,{"email":{"id":"b9219759-ea1a-4688-8991-1ef22e330bb7","subject":"It's a Relay Race Here at SparkFun!","previewText":"Let's take a look at the pros and cons of traditional mechanical relays vs solid state relays, and some options for both!\n\nView in browser (https://info.sparkfun.com/e3t/Ctc/I2+113/cg6Jf04/MWkynSVQKpgW2hlR0H8191__W8SvcRS5SHM4GN4313HF5m_5PW69t95C6lZ3mGN58M59_2BjpMN5r8fmHsjwrqW3HGR3w3DxYQHW4tWMH81_LYs","sentAt":"2026-08-14T03:46:16.000Z","classification":"marketing","imageCount":13,"thumbnailUrl":"https://mailspo-ingest.imraan-243.workers.dev/img/inbound/img/6c78b247b547b83b7fbc93daa02ba1598bee52516c8ea71e456ca6a11395200d","emailType":"newsletter","typeConfidence":"guess","typeBasis":"no stronger signal","brand":"$6:props:children:props:children:2:props:brands:845","bodyHtml":"$24","textBody":"$25","bodyFallback":null}}]}] a:null f:[["$","title","0",{"children":"It's a Relay Race Here at SparkFun! by SparkFun | Mailspo"}],["$","meta","1",{"name":"description","content":"Let's take a look at the pros and cons of traditional mechanical relays vs solid state relays, and some options for both!\n\nView in browser (https://info.sparkfu"}],["$","meta","2",{"name":"robots","content":"index, follow"}],["$","link","3",{"rel":"canonical","href":"https://mailspo.com/emails/b9219759-ea1a-4688-8991-1ef22e330bb7"}],["$","meta","4",{"property":"og:title","content":"It's a Relay Race Here at SparkFun! by SparkFun | Mailspo"}],["$","meta","5",{"property":"og:description","content":"Let's take a look at the pros and cons of traditional mechanical relays vs solid state relays, and some options for both!\n\nView in browser (https://info.sparkfu"}],["$","meta","6",{"property":"og:url","content":"https://mailspo.com/emails/b9219759-ea1a-4688-8991-1ef22e330bb7"}],["$","meta","7",{"property":"og:site_name","content":"Mailspo"}],["$","meta","8",{"property":"og:image","content":"https://mailspo-ingest.imraan-243.workers.dev/img/inbound/img/6c78b247b547b83b7fbc93daa02ba1598bee52516c8ea71e456ca6a11395200d"}],["$","meta","9",{"property":"og:image:alt","content":"SparkFun email creative: It's a Relay Race Here at SparkFun!"}],["$","meta","10",{"property":"og:type","content":"article"}],["$","meta","11",{"property":"article:published_time","content":"2026-08-14T03:46:16.000Z"}],["$","meta","12",{"name":"twitter:card","content":"summary_large_image"}],["$","meta","13",{"name":"twitter:title","content":"It's a Relay Race Here at SparkFun! by SparkFun | Mailspo"}],["$","meta","14",{"name":"twitter:description","content":"Let's take a look at the pros and cons of traditional mechanical relays vs solid state relays, and some options for both!\n\nView in browser (https://info.sparkfu"}],["$","meta","15",{"name":"twitter:image","content":"https://mailspo-ingest.imraan-243.workers.dev/img/inbound/img/6c78b247b547b83b7fbc93daa02ba1598bee52516c8ea71e456ca6a11395200d"}],["$","meta","16",{"name":"twitter:image:alt","content":"SparkFun email creative: It's a Relay Race Here at SparkFun!"}],["$","link","17",{"rel":"icon","href":"/favicon.ico?favicon.2vob68tjqpejf.ico","sizes":"256x256","type":"image/x-icon"}],["$","$L26","18",{}]]

Search Mailspo