A latching relay operates similarly to a standard relay in that it uses an electromagnetic coil to open or close contacts in a circuit. However, what sets a latching relay apart is its ability to “latch” into one of two stable positions after being energized, holding that position even after the coil's power is removed. This characteristic makes latching relays ideal for scenarios where energy efficiency is important, as they do not require constant power to maintain their state.

    Latching relays typically have two coils: one for setting the relay to the "on" state and the other for resetting it to the "off" state. These relays can be found in numerous applications, including consumer electronics, automotive systems, industrial automation, and even energy meters, due to their inherent advantages in terms of energy conservation, space efficiency, and reliability.