What is the difference between a relay and a switch?

Question

I have seen an article said that "Under the actions of pull-in and release, achieve the purpose of conducting and cutting off in the circuit."(source: https://www.apogeeweb.net/electron/how-relays-work.html). That is, relay used as a switch. There is also example ( relay controlling the light) to describe its function, which make me feel confused. Can a relay be equivalent to a switch? or another words, in electronics, what is the difference between a relay and a switch?

ricky414 · Answer

1) Directly operating with Switch some limitation of handling Voltages & Current  it is purely manual.
2) Relays can be operable in Auto ,can handle any high voltages with suitable Relay- Breaker of any Current.It can be operated by any tiny switches safely

D g · Answer

A switch is manually controlled

A relay has an electromagnet to pull the switch down by switch I mean the lever in the relay to make contact

New semiconductor relays use triac or other electronic switches to separate the input to output this could be done with led and  photo cell

Jim · Answer

For instance - starting your car!
The key switch is small, maybe computer-controlled electronics.
It activates a big heavy-duty relay that runs a motor to start the engine.
This is a typical scenario.

? · Answer

The simple definition of a relay that I learned is that it uses low power to switch high power circuits.

Anonymous · Answer

A relay is an electromagnetically powered switch which is usually remote from the console switch on a circuit. It is typically used when there is a need to apply a much larger current to a device, such as starting a car engine or a boiler. They are also useful when there is a need to trigger multiple circuits from a single switch.  So it's kind if like passing a baton in a relay race.  Relays are also useful in that they can reduce the length of expensive high amperage wiring and other circuitry.

What is the difference between a relay and a switch?

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