Relays

Solid state or mechanical? I assume solid state would be better. But I am not sure. I thought I would ask.

Probably depends on what they are used for. I use a solid state relay to start/stop a router. I use a mechanical 5v relay to control a plasma torch on/off. I also use a mechanical 12v relay to control my air scribe.

Paul

jeffie-3 wrote: Solid state or mechanical? I assume solid state would be better. But I am not sure. I thought I would ask.

Mechanical relays are available with normally-closed contacts, whereas solid-state are not (except at very high cost).
Mechanical relays can have interlocked contacts so that you can be sure if one contact is closed then a separate one is open.
Not all solid-state relays can turn off a DC load.

Other than that, I would normally prefer solid-state unless one of the above was important.

Thank you for the answer. Now I have a much better understanding.