In a typical relay circuit, what component is usually checked first during troubleshooting?

When troubleshooting a typical relay circuit, the power supply is generally the first component checked because it is the source of energy necessary for the entire circuit to function. If the power supply is not delivering the correct voltage or current, the relay will not operate as intended. This means that no further checks on the relay coil, contactor contacts, or control switch will yield any useful information if the power supply issue is present.

Verifying the power supply ensures that there is a robust foundation for further diagnostic steps. Once the power supply has been validated as operational, one can then move on to the other components, such as checking the relay coil, to see if it is receiving power and functioning, as well as evaluating the control switch and contactor contacts for proper operation. This systematic approach helps to isolate and identify issues effectively, maintaining a logical flow in troubleshooting.