Choosing relays may be extremely confusing as they are available in several styles, forms, and technologies. Depending on what you intend to use it for, only one type of relay may be suited to your needs. Or in certain cases, you may require multiple relays as per your requirements
This guide will tell you all about the different relay types, their uses, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, so you may confidently choose the best control relay for the job at hand. Let us start by explaining what a relay is.
A relay is a switch that is electrically operated. The switch may have many contacts in several contact forms, like break contacts, make contacts, and so on. Relays are necessary when a circuit has to be controlled by a single low-power signal, or if many circuits have to be controlled by a signal.
As mentioned before, you may have to browse through several options when looking for a relay. The most common types of relays available in the market are:
Electromechanical relay switches consist of electrical contacts, a coil, and an armature. When electric power flows through the coil, a magnetic field is created which moves the armature and the contacts open or close. These relays are best used in situations that require galvanic isolation.
Like an electromechanical relay, a reed relay has contacts that require mechanical actuation to open or close a path. However, these contacts are much smaller than those used in electromechanical relays. Reed switches consist of two overlying ferromagnetic blades called reeds inside a sealed glass tube filled with inert gas to protect them against corrosion. The two reeds are pulled together when the coil is energized, which enables their contacts to complete a path through the relay. The contacts are pulled apart when the coil is de-energized.
An SSR is made using a photo-sensitive MOSFET device with an LED. They have no mechanical parts. The connection in an SSR is established via a transistor, unlike electromagnetic or reed relays where some form of physical metal is used. They are good options for high-voltage applications.
A FET switch is also not a mechanical device. It uses a range of CMOS transistors to enable switching. Unlike SSRs, FET switches do not require an LED. When the transistor gate is directly driven, it enables very fast switching speeds because it is not hindered by the power on or off time of the LED. These are best for low-voltage applications which require higher speed.
Now that you know all about the different relay types, remember that you have to double-check all system parameters before settling on a relay. If you need to know more about relays visit the Schneider Electric website where you can check out their range of relays with specifications. Schneider Electric is one of the leading brands in India for relays and offers high-quality, durable, and authentic products. If you need more information, have queries, or require expert help, you can contact their customer service for assistance and guidance.
Comments