A relay circuit (Credit)

As a safety measure, relays are used in the ship's electrical circuitry to open the faulty circuit from the main supply when any kind of electrical fault occurs. Relays are fitted in the main and emergency switchboards of the ship as protective devices.

To protect itself from power surges, the electrical system relies on relays. If a relay malfunction or is damaged, it can cause an electrical fire that could potentially destroy the entire system.

An electrician or ship's engineer should make sure that the relay is working efficiently and that all maintenance is done on schedule. If the technician finds a defective part, he or she should replace it immediately with a spare part.

When a current passes through the coil of a simple electromagnetic relay, it creates a magnetic field that attracts the armature. The spring force holds the armature against this magnetic pull. When there is an excess or high current in the coil, the armature is pulled free from its position, tripping the circuit.

To maintain your electrical relay, perform the following steps:

1. Relay contacts should be checked for damage due to arcing.

2. If there's rust or deposits on the contact, use emery paper to sand them off.

3. Make sure that the closing mechanism moves freely.

4. Make sure the contacts are working properly by checking them with a multimeter.

5. Use the arc chutes to put out the arc. Check for burnout of the same.

6. Make sure the spring is properly tensioned.

7. To test the coil, you will need to perform both an open circuit and a short circuit test.

8. To check the continuity of the trip circuit, use a multimeter.

9. Make sure the supply terminals are tight.

To set up the electrical system, please check out this page.