Relay Output on Mobeye Devices – Frequently Asked Questions

A relay is an electrically operated switch that is mounted on the printed circuit board of a Mobeye device. Although it is physically part of the board, the relay forms its own galvanically separated circuit, which keeps the switching side electrically isolated from the device electronics.

Inside the relay, a coil and an electromagnet control a separate switching circuit. When the relay is inactive, the circuit remains in one defined state. When the relay activates, the circuit changes state. The two possible states are open and closed.

The Mobeye device applies a voltage to the relay coil, for example after an alarm event or when it receives an incoming command. The coil then generates a magnetic field, which moves the internal contact and switches the circuit from open to closed, or vice versa.

An external device connected to the relay detects whether the circuit is open or closed. Based on this state, the external device switches on or off, or changes its operating mode.

The relay does not supply any voltage. It provides a potential-free contact, which means it only switches the circuit. The external device must use its own power source.

A relay is suitable when electrical isolation is required or when the connected equipment operates at a different voltage or current level. It also allows the Mobeye device to control external systems safely without sharing a common electrical ground.

Installers commonly use relay outputs to control alarms, access systems, lighting circuits, or other equipment that needs a simple on/off control signal without receiving power from the Mobeye device.