Summary of Latching Relay Module
This article explains how to convert a standard non-latching electromechanical relay into a latching bistable device using a portable electronic module. The project utilizes common components like the NE555 timer, BC547 transistors, and push buttons to maintain the relay's state without continuous input power, making it suitable for automotive applications or portable projects where energy efficiency is key.
Parts used in the Latching Relay Module:
- Small Size Perforated Circuit Board
- 3 PIN PCB Mount Screw Terminal
- 5V-DC 240V, 50-60Hz, 5A SPDT Relay
- BC547 NPN Transistor (3x)
- Small LEDs (2x)
- 330ohms Resistors (2x)
- Momentary Push Button Switches (2x)
- 1N4007 General Purpose PN Junction Diode
- NE555 Timer IC
- Male Header Pins (4x)
- 10Kohms resistors (3x)
- 15Kohms resistors (2x)
In electronics, a device is said to be a latching device if it maintains any particular fixed state even after removal of the input signal. The same also applies for electronic/electromechanical relays. Basically the electromechanical relays that are used today are of two types:

1. Non-Latching Relay : These relays are most widely used where energy consumption is basically not an issue.This type relay(s) comes back to its original state once the input signal is removed.
2. Latching Relay : These relays are mostly used in automobiles and are rarely used for basic prototyping needs.
Most of the relays which we use today are monostable relays, that means it has only one stable state and so it is called non-latching relays. You must have heard about N.O (Normally Open) and N.C (Normally Closed) terminals of a basic electromechanical relay. However these terminals which are present over the relay show that the electronic relay which we are using has only one stable state.
In this instructable I will show you how to use a non-latching relay as a latching bistable relay by designing a simple electronic module which is powered by an external power source. One can use this module for many other projects and it’s intentionally made portable so that one can easily carry it around. Moreover it has many other useful features which provides it many additional functionalities.
To get a detailed idea of the working please watch the above video or click on the link below:
Latching Relay Module Video

1. Non-Latching Relay : These relays are most widely used where energy consumption is basically not an issue.This type relay(s) comes back to its original state once the input signal is removed.
2. Latching Relay : These relays are mostly used in automobiles and are rarely used for basic prototyping needs.
Most of the relays which we use today are monostable relays, that means it has only one stable state and so it is called non-latching relays. You must have heard about N.O (Normally Open) and N.C (Normally Closed) terminals of a basic electromechanical relay. However these terminals which are present over the relay show that the electronic relay which we are using has only one stable state.
In this instructable I will show you how to use a non-latching relay as a latching bistable relay by designing a simple electronic module which is powered by an external power source. One can use this module for many other projects and it’s intentionally made portable so that one can easily carry it around. Moreover it has many other useful features which provides it many additional functionalities.
To get a detailed idea of the working please watch the above video or click on the link below:
Latching Relay Module Video
Step 1: Gather the Required Components and Tools.
All the tools and components used to make this module can be easily bought from nearby local electronic shops.
COMPONENTS REQUIRED:
COMPONENTS REQUIRED:
- 1x Small Size Perforated Circuit Board
- 1x 3 PIN PCB Mount Screw Terminal
- 1x 5V-DC 240V, 50-60Hz, 5A SPDT Relay
- 3x BC547 NPN Transistor
- 2x Small LEDs (Different colors are recommended.)
- 2x 330ohms Resistors
- 2x Momentary Push Button Switches (Different colors are recommended.)
- 1x 1N4007 General Purpose PN Junction Diode
- 1x NE555 Timer IC
- 4x Male Header Pins
- 3x 10Kohms resistors
- 2x 15Kohms resistors
TOOLS REQUIRED:
- Soldering Iron
- Soldering Lead Wire
- Soldering Flux
- Multimeter with Probes
- A strong Adhesive
Step 2: The Circuit Diagram
The above shown picture is the circuit diagram of the relay module. All connection of components have to be done in exact same manner as shown in the picture.
Read more: Latching Relay Module
- What is a latching device?
A device that maintains a fixed state even after the removal of the input signal. - Can this module be used for basic prototyping needs?
No, latching relays are rarely used for basic prototyping needs according to the text. - How does a non-latching relay behave when the input signal is removed?
It comes back to its original state once the input signal is removed. - Does this project require an external power source?
Yes, the module is designed to be powered by an external power source. - What type of relay is mostly used today?
Most relays used today are monostable relays, which have only one stable state. - Where are latching relays mostly used?
Latching relays are mostly used in automobiles. - Are the tools required for this project easily available?
Yes, all tools and components can be easily bought from nearby local electronic shops. - What is the purpose of the N.O and N.C terminals on a basic relay?
These terminals indicate that the relay has only one stable state. - Is the designed module portable?
Yes, the module is intentionally made portable so that one can easily carry it around. - Which IC is used in the circuit diagram for this module?
The NE555 Timer IC is used in the circuit diagram.
