Toggle Relay / Impulse Relay / Push Button Relay (Flip-Flop Relay)

A Toggle Relay—also known as an Impulse Relay, Push Button Relay, Flip-Flop Relay, Stepping Relay or Latching Relay—is a specific type of relay designed to switch one load ON/OFF from two or more momentary push buttons wired in parallel.

Each press sends a short pulse to the control input: 1st press → ON, 2nd press → OFF, 3rd press → ON… and so on. This is the same operating logic as a household stairway impulse relay (télérupteur), adapted to 12V/24V DC systems and marine/automotive wiring standards.

Why use a Toggle Relay onboard?

It enables clean multi-location control of a single circuit without routing high load current through multiple switches. Only a low-current control signal goes to the push buttons, while the relay contacts handle the load.

Typical onboard applications

• Cockpit light: switch it when boarding and when leaving the boat
• Cabin lights: entry point + bedside (berth) + central control panel (often near the chart table)
• Modern layouts: add extra control at helm starboard and helm port while keeping a master control

Recommended wiring (simple and scalable)

For a multi-button installation, a 3–4 core cable is typically ideal:

1. +12V / +24V permanent (control feed)
2. 0V / Ground (return)
3. Control signal (pulse to the relay control input)
4. Optional: LED feedback (indicator state wire)

LED feedback (optional, recommended)

If your push buttons include an LED indicator, a dedicated feedback wire lets each button display the real circuit state: LED ON when the load is ON, LED OFF when the load is OFF. A common approach is to drive the LED from the relay’s switched output so the indicator always matches the actual accessory state.

Notes

• Designed for momentary push buttons (wired in parallel)
• No programming required (no controller, no app)
• Relay contacts provide ON/OFF toggling (flip-flop function)