The diode is sometimes called a clamp diode a freewheeling diode or a flyback diode. The diode prevents the voltage going very high by limiting it clamping it to around vd 07v. Do I Need To Use Flyback With My Relays Megasquirt Hybridz Relay 12v 40a With Protective Diode Diode Protected Relay Unsubscribe from tech ideas. Diode in relay . In your relay circuit the high voltage can cause damage. Most relays are designed for pcb mounting but you can solder wires directly to the pins providing you take care to avoid melting the plastic case of the relay. The opening of contacts is very important because a low value resistor is placed in series with the diode which helps in dissipating the coil energy faster. When used with a dc coil relay a flyback diode can cause delayed drop out of the contacts when power is removed due to the continued circulat...