Stepping relays (also called stepping switches) have many switch positions. The stepping relay is actually a rotating switch that’s used to establish connections between the wiper blade and the contacts, one step at a time. Each input pulse causes the relay to step to the next position. Stepping relays are widely used in control circuits, particularly in signaling and counting circuits.

When the coil is energized, the armature is attracted, overcoming the pull of the return spring. This pushes the pawl against a tooth on the ratchet. When the ratchet turns, it moves the contact or wiper blade to a new switch position. Note that the ratchet in the illustrated device can only turn clockwise. It holds each position until the next pulse arrives.

	Created by That Yeti Dog Person over 3 years ago

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