Definition of Relay Terminology
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Switching Capacity(TX relay)
Example: Using TX relay at a switchingvoltage of 60V DC, the maximumswitching current is 1A.(Maximum switching capacity is given fora resistive load. Be sure to carefullycheck the actual load before use.)
• Contact Resistance
This value is the combined resistance ofthe resistance when the contacts aretouching each other, the resistance of theterminals and contact spring. The contactresistance is measured using thevoltage-drop method as shown below.The measuring currents are designatedin Fig. 1.
Test Currents
The resistance can be measured withreasonable accuracy on a YHP 4328Amilli
oh
m
m
eter.In general, for relays with a contact ratingof 1A or more, measure using thevoltage-drop method at 1A 6V DC.
• Capacitance
This value is measured between theterminals at 1kHz and 20°C68°F.
0.20.30.40.51.02.03.0203050100200300DC resistive load0Contact voltage, V
S w i t c h i n g c u r r e n t , A
Fig. 1
AVR
Ammeter
A :V :
Voltmeter
R :
Variable resister(AC or DC)PowersourceMeasured contact
Rated Contact Current orSwitching Current (A)Test Current(mA)Less than 0.01 10.01 or more and less than 0.1 100.1 or more and less than 1 1001 or more1,000
• Insulation Resistance
The resistance value between allmutually isolated conducting sections ofthe relay, i.e. between coil and contacts,across open contacts and between coil orcontacts to any core or frame at groundpotential. This value is usually expressedas “initial insulation resistance” and maydecrease with time, due to materialdegradation and the accumulation ofcontaminants.
• Breakdown Voltage
(Hi-Pot orDielectric Strength)The maximum voltage which can betolerated by the relay without damage fora specified period of time, usuallymeasured at the same points asinsulation resistance. Usually the statedvalue is in VAC (RMS) for one minuteduration.
• Surge Withstand Voltage
The ability of the device to withstand anabnormal externally produced powersurge, as in a lightning strike, or otherphenomenon. An impulse test waveformis usually specified, indicating rise time,peak value and fall time. (Fig. 2)
• Operate Time (Pull-In or Pick-UpTime)
The elapsed time from the initialapplication of power to the coil, until theclosure of the normally open contacts.(With multiple pole devices the time untilthe last contact closes.) This time doesnot include any bounce time.
• Release Time
(Drop-Out Time)The elapsed time from the initial removalof coil power until the reclosure of thenormally closed contacts (last contactwith multi-pole) this time does not includebounce.
• Set Time
Term used to describe operate time of alatching relay.
• Reset Time
Term used to describe release time of alatching relay. With a 2-coil magneticlatching relay the time is from the firstapplication of power to the reset coil untilthe reclosure of the reset contacts. With asingle coil latching relay, the time ismeasured from the first application ofreverse coil voltage until the reclosure ofthe reset contact.
• Contact Bounce
(Time)Generally expressed in time (ms), thisrefers to the intermittent switchingphenomenon of the contacts whichoccurs due to the collision between themovable metal parts or contacts, whenthe relay is operated or released.
• Operate Bounce Time
The time period immediately followingoperate time during which the contactsare still dynamic, and ending once allbounce has ceased.
• Release Bounce Time
The time period immediately followingrelease time during which the contactsare still dynamic, ending when all bouncehas ceased.
• Shock Resistance, Destructive
The acceleration which can be withstoodby the relay during shipping or installationwithout it suffering damage, and withoutcausing a change in its operatingcharacteristics. Usually expressed in“G”s.
• Shock Resistance, Functional
The acceleration which can be toleratedby the relay during service withoutcausing the closed contacts to open formore than the specified time. (usually10
µ
s)
• Vibration Resistance, Destructive
The vibration which can be withstood bythe relay during shipping, installation oruse without it suffering damage, andwithout causing a change in its operatingcharacteristics. Expressed as anacceleration in G’s or displacement, andfrequency range.
• Vibration Resistance, Functional
The vibration which can be tolerated bythe relay during service, without causingthe closed contacts to open for more thanthe specified time.
• Mechanical Life
The minimum number of times the relaycan be operated under nominalconditions (coil voltage, temperature,humidity, etc.) with no load on thecontacts.
• Electrical Life
The minimum number of times the relaycan be operated under nominalconditions with a specific load beingswitched by the contacts.
• Maximum Switching Frequency
This refers to the maximum switchingfrequency which satisfies the mechanicallife or electrical life under repeatedoperations by applying a pulse train atthe rated voltage to the operating coil.
Fig. 2
10
µ
s750 V1,500 V160
µ
s
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