Relays can be used in a variety of applications that use a smaller signal to control a higher power load. Some example loads include motors, stadium lighting and the like. Mechanical relays consist of a coil controlling a magnet that moves electrical contacts. Solid state relays can offer advantages such as lower power consumption and higher reliability than mechanical relays. However, using a solid state relay in a system designed for a mechanical relay can require some significant changes to the system. This disclosure presents a device, a system and technique to operate a solid state relay (SSR) in applications that use mechanical relays while minimizing the need for potentially costly modifications.