What is a key characteristic of an on-delay relay?

An on-delay relay is specifically designed to introduce a delay between the time an input signal is applied and when the output is activated. This means that once the input signal (usually a voltage) is applied, the relay will not operate immediately; instead, it will wait for a specified time period before closing its contacts and allowing current to flow to the load. This feature is crucial in applications where you need to ensure that certain conditions are met or to avoid instantaneous responses that could cause operational issues.

The ability to control the timing of when the relay activates makes it valuable in numerous applications, such as motor control, HVAC systems, and process automation, where sequential operations are essential for safe and efficient functionality.