Most mechanical thermal relay models have two groups of contacts. 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. There is no such thing as a universal contact. We will tell you how to choose a device that predicts the emergence of emergency situations in excess of the maximum permissible current indicators. Working Principle: The thermal relay operates by heating a bimetallic strip, causing it to bend and close normally open contacts. Selecting the right thermal overload relay requires understanding two critical factors: the heating element technology and the reset mechanism.