In the world of electronics, there are many devices that can influence how a circuit runs. A relay is one of these, being used to allow one circuit to control another. Much like the name suggests, a relay turns one circuit on or off at the control of another circuit, essentially 'handing off' the activation of the circuit.

Most commonly, an electromagnet is used to open and close a series of contacts to channel electricity from one circuit into another. Relays are not limited by the size of the first circuit and can even control an output circuit of higher voltage than the original circuit, so they can also function as amplifiers. Many common household devices use relays--including modems, time delay devices, and machines that perform logic functions.

Omron is an electronics firm that makes devices of all sorts for electricians ranging from the professional to the hobbyist. Omron relays are popular among those who design complex circuitry, and can be used in any number of home-built electronic devices such as alarms and timers. Once you have mastered simple circuit devices and single-switch circuitry, buy a few Omron relays to see what you can build.

Relays let you create circuits that loop off and depend on each other. The complexity of your circuits is only determined by your imagination--as relays can be used to build elaborate logical reasoning devices based on circuits that emulate AND, NO, OR, and other boolean operators. Whether for a practical application or the pure fascination of the powers of electronics, a box of Omron relays will never fail to deliver.