Single Phase Voltage Relays Single phase voltage relays are used in applications where the equipment or controls being operated could operate incorrectly or be damaged by low voltage. These applications usually involve combinations of electro mechanical and solid state controls. As the control voltage drops, some of the solid state equipment may not continue to work correctly, but a contactor or solenoid valve may continue to stay energized. This could be an ′′out of control′′ situation. When the voltage goes below a level that is determined to be too low for the controls, the single phase voltage relay will sense that and open a set of contacts. That could shut down the entire control circuit to avoid problems.