There are several basic types of thermal switches and thermal protectors: bi-metal disc or snap action, thermal reed switch, mercury switch, rod and tube with different temperature coefficients, and gas-actuated or vapor-tension. These thermal relay types also offer varying benefits when used in different situations. To give you a wider overview of their construction and operation, here are the three types of this device explained. A thermal. Thermal relay definition is; the relay which is used to provide electromechanical protection to electric motors from overloading and also drawing extreme input current is known as a thermal relay. These relays provide huge protection from stable electrical damages throughout electrical anomalies. Protective Relay Definition: A protective relay is an automatic device that senses abnormal conditions in electrical circuits and triggers actions to isolate faults. The switch is activated by a temperature differential. An electric motor is an integral device in an industry that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The electric motor may be powered by AC or DC sources. Some of the examples such as blowers, compressors, conveyors, drums, pumps, crushers, etc. are running with the help of electric.