To provide a downsized relay and its control method.

The relay includes a conductive movable member 37 capable of displacing between a contact position and a separated position, a slider 17 for moving the movable member 37, a bimetal member 20 moving the slider 17 by its bending deformation due to temperature rise, a first induction heating means 21 induction heating the bimetal member 20, an engagement part 44 holding the movable member 37 at the contact position, a conductive working member 43 fitted in continuation from the engagement member 44 and equipped with a flexible part 46 made of bimetal bending and deforming in a direction of releasing engagement between the movable member 37 and the engagement part 44, and a second induction heating means 47 induction heating the flexible part 46. Since magnetic force is not used for connecting and separating a fixed contact 12 and a movable contact 13, a comparatively large-sized coil can be done away with. Thus, downsizing of the relay 10 can be aimed at.