diff --git a/libraries/AP_Relay/AP_Relay.h b/libraries/AP_Relay/AP_Relay.h
index 7fb6416ffd16c1fa4f90349a19b00e720edffdda..2aa9a441c5fbf9c58f39b9f3c98d15b016fe7706 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Relay/AP_Relay.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Relay/AP_Relay.h
@@ -32,6 +32,9 @@ public:
     // de-activate the relay
     void        off(uint8_t relay);
 
+    // see if the relay is enabled
+    bool        enabled(uint8_t relay) { return relay < AP_RELAY_NUM_RELAYS && _pin[relay] != -1; }
+
     // toggle the relay status
     void        toggle(uint8_t relay);