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
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Cockpit light: switch it when boarding and when leaving the boat
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Cabin lights: entry point + bedside (berth) + central control panel (often near the chart table)
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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:
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+12V / +24V permanent (control feed)
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0V / Ground (return)
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Control signal (pulse to the relay control input)
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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)
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No programming required (no controller, no app)
- Relay contacts provide ON/OFF toggling (flip-flop function)