Will the relay still conduct electricity if it's broken?
2 Answers
If the relay coil is broken or the contacts cannot touch, it will not conduct electricity. If the relay is short-circuited, it will still conduct electricity and remain continuously powered. The static contact that remains open when the relay coil is not energized is called a "normally open contact"; the static contact that remains closed is called a "normally closed contact". Below is an introduction to relays: A relay (Relay), also known as an electric relay, is an electronic control device. It consists of a control system (also called the input circuit) and a controlled system (also called the output circuit). Relays are generally used in automatic control circuit systems. Essentially, a relay is an "automatic switch" that uses a smaller current to control a larger current. In circuits, relays play roles such as automatic regulation, safety protection, and circuit switching.
Whether there is power after a relay fails depends on the type of failure. Some relays may short-circuit when broken, with the contacts sticking together, causing the circuit to remain powered and current to flow normally—for example, car lights may stay on continuously. However, sometimes a relay may fail due to an open circuit, where the contacts disconnect, cutting off power to the circuit, and the lights won’t work at all. In cars, relays control components like headlights and the starting system, and a failure can be dangerous. For example, in my 20 years of driving, I’ve encountered a short-circuited relay that kept the headlights on, draining the battery overnight, and another short that caused wiring to overheat and burn. For prevention, conduct regular electrical inspections and avoid modifying wiring recklessly. If an issue arises, don’t delay—take it to a professional repair shop immediately for diagnosis and replacement to prevent minor problems from escalating and compromising driving safety.
