Generally, magnetic latching relays are used in applications such as electric appliances, communication, and office and aerospace systems. This type of relay provides positional memory and maintains its state when it is actuated. This is an advantage in applications that require changing states frequently or for energy efficiency. However, desynchrony of contact resistances can occur due to manufacturing errors in the relevant parts.

The remanent core of a latching relay can be secured in its operating position by locking mechanisms. This ensures the safety of the device. In addition, the contact retention force is not excessive. When the switch is actuated, the contacts are closed by the permanent magnet. This prevents them from opening until the opposite coil is supplied with energy.

Relays can be divided into two types, bipolar and non-bipolar. Bipolar latching relays consist of a coil assembly and a magnetic steel assembly. The coils are installed on both sides of the magnet. These coils generate an electrical field which is used to move the contacts in one direction. This motion is controlled by a pulse of the coil power. When the pulse is redirected to the opposite direction, the contacts are opened and pushed back to their original position.

Non-bipolar latching relays, on the other hand, require a continuous input of current to maintain the contacts in their original state. They are usually small and only contain a coil and a metal strip. They are available in single-phase or three-phase configurations.

Bipolar magnetic latching relays include a coil assembly, a magnetic steel assembly, a second contact device, and a pivot. Both ends of the pivot are mounted in a first pivot hole and the second pivot hole is mounted in the shell cover. The magnetic steel assembly includes a permanent magnet. It is able to deflect the contact devices due to the magnetic force. This allows the relay to move from its initial position to its final position. The contacts are also secured by the remanent core. The coils are energized only by a pulse of current.

Magnetic latching relays have the capability to switch large currents compared to standard relays. This is due to the small coils of wire which are used to generate an electrical field. When the coil is energized, the magnetic field aids or opposes the field of the permanent magnet. This generates a small magnetic field that opens or closes the contacts. This is achieved by the revolving pair of the magnetic steel assembly. The coils are also able to operate in dual-phase or triple-phase configurations. This allows the latching relay to be used in applications that require switching more than one circuit.