Which relay switches can be activated by the parallel port

currentparallelrelayvoltage

I'm planning on controlling some external circuits using the parallel port by switching on relays that can switch on the external circuits.

Am I right in thinking the pins have a voltage of 3-5V when high and a maximum current of 50mA? The most sensitive relays I can find require 5V and 1A (eg, http://www.maplin.co.uk/dpdt-1a-miniature-relay-37494)

Best Answer

No, that's the maximum current. The coil resistance is 180 Ohms at 5 V -> 28 mA.

Edit: And if you want to switch at 3 V, find a different relay. This one isn't specified at other than 5 and 12 V.