Switch having a matrix of relays

A switch for use in telecommunications comprising a matrix of main relays including rows and columns of said main relays, each of said main relays controlling a multi-channel connection at a junction of said rows and said columns of said matrix, and each of said main relays being controlled by a row control signal applied to respective rows of said main relays of said matrix and by a column control signal applied to respective columns of said main relays of said matrix;

• and control means for controlling said main relays, said control means including two auxiliary relays for each column, a first of said two auxiliary relays effecting operation of a main relay being controlled by both said row control signal and said column control signal, and a second of said two auxiliary relays effecting a holding of the operation of said main relay by means of only said column control signal, wherein said first of said two auxiliary relays includes a contact relay having two windings, one terminal of each of said two windings being connected to a supply source, a second terminal of one of said two windings being operatively connected to each of said main relays in the respective column of said matrix associated with said two auxiliary relays, and a second terminal of a second of said two windings being operatively connected to said column control signal, and wherein said second of said two auxiliary relays includes a holding relay having a single winding, said single winding being operatively connected in series between said supply source and said column control signal.