A latching relay is a type of electromagnetic relay that can maintain its contact position even after the coil power is removed. This feature is in contrast to traditional relays, which require continuous power to keep their contacts in a specific position. Latching relays have two stable states: one where the contacts are in the normally open (NO) position and one where the contacts are in the normally closed (NC) position. Switching between these two positions is done through a pulse of current, typically provided by an external control circuit.

    The core advantage of latching relays is their ability to hold their state without requiring power. This makes them highly energy-efficient, as they only consume power momentarily when switching between states. As a result, latching relays are particularly valuable in applications where power conservation is important or where the relay needs to be held in a specific state for long periods.