Relay board suppliers offer various kinds of relay boards. Relay boards include Single Pole Throw Relays (SPST), Single Pole Double Throw Relays (SPDT), Double Pole Single Throw Relays (DPST) and Double Pole Double Throw Relays (DPDT). They have a rating of either AC or DC, and the rating can determine the amount of power that can be switched through the relay boards.

Some experts divide relay boards by category, such as automotive, telecom, home appliance, panel builder and more. These also range in complexity, from simpler printed circuit board (PCB) relay boards that can turn an old computer into a controller to relay boards capable of being expanded to control over 200 relays and as well as 16 background timers that are ideal for duration timing.

Relay boards can also have the capacity to control switching via many connectivity options, from USB to Wi-Fi. Whether or not you need a simple PC relay board or one that offers more connectivity is up to you. When considering relay boards, look at these options:

1. Consider the application of the relay board.

2. Decide the amount of power that needs to switch through the relay boards.

3. Decide the connectivity needs for the relay boards.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Cover your basic needs with simpler relay boards

Simpler relay boards help with basic switching needs.

I recommend: Relay board manufacturers like Goodsky Relays and QKits Electronics offer relay boards that turn one's unused computer into a controller, or synchronize your Christmas lights with your computer. H. Kuhnke Ltd is the relay board supplier of Goodsky boards. Relay board providers like Carl's Electronics includes Goodsky relays in their electronic kits.

Get more from your relay board

With more options, your relay board is able to do more.

I recommend: Winford Engineering is a relay board manufacturer and relay board distributor that offers relay boards, which come with a variety of channels, relay coil voltages as well as an optional DIN mount. The two-channel version is the RLY102, while the RLY104 is the four-channel version. RLP104 is a four-channel passive relay board, which has “screw terminal connections to the coils and contacts.” Relay board provider Omega Engineering also offers more than one power relay board.

Increase your connectivity options with relay boards

Use relay boards that are able to connect in various ways for your business.

I recommend: National Control Devices offers wireless relays and serial relay controller boards, as well as USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi (802.11b). You can find more information on relay boards on their site. Stage Research is another of the relay board distributors and manufacturers that offer eight-channel input and output USB relay boards.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Read the information about relay boards to better match up the needs of your company and what the relay board manufacturer's boards can offer. Be aware that not all suppliers of relay boards offer bulk discounts.