Purpose of a relay in homemade bator

[missfire]

I see on the parts list for several incubators that a "Relay" is listed, what does this accomplish, I have seen where no one seems to use them on their homemade bators. I'm confused as usual.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

The relay is to use a low power thermostat to run a high power heat element. Like if you use a home thermostat(tiny wires) to run a 1800watt hair dryer like I do in one of my incubators.

 

[missfire]

Thanks for the info I'll be running a gqf heating element with either a
Gqf wafer thermostat or a gqf electronic thermostat. In your opinion would
I need to use a relay? Thanks again

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

No your fine without one.