Diff. between potential/solid state relay?

[spongebrain~~]

This is probably dumb.........and I probably work on these without realizing it, but.........what is the diff. between a potential relay and a solid state relay?

[navyhydronics]

A potential relay is mechanical (has moving parts), a solid state relay is electronic (no moving parts).

[spongebrain~~]

oh yea...........duh.....thanks. If I wouldnt have forgotton the meaning of "Solid State".........then I wouldnt have had to ask the Q in the first place

[navyhydronics]

no problem. I have frequent brain farts myself :o

[skotup]

a solid state relay is a triac feeding thyristor which is like an electrical current valve. A small current on the A1 opens up the valve and lets a large amount of current trough what ever it is you want to be switched. Ide have to draw it to explain it.