What is the minimum voltage that causes the relay's armature to move?

The minimum voltage that causes the relay's armature to move is identified as the pickup voltage. This is the threshold voltage level that must be exceeded for the relay to activate, allowing the armature to close the contacts and complete the circuit.

Understanding the concept of pickup voltage is essential, as it represents the operational point at which the relay begins to function properly to perform its intended role in a circuit. When the voltage across the relay coil reaches this specified level, electromagnetic force is generated that initiates the movement of the armature.

The other terms have different meanings within the context of relay operation. Dropout voltage refers to the voltage level at which the relay will release or disengage, sealing-in voltage pertains to the minimum voltage required to maintain a relay's state once it has been activated, and nominal voltage usually indicates the standard operating voltage for a relay or system, but isn't tied to the specific mechanism of engagement like pickup voltage is.