Relay Protection circuit using freewheeling diode

Relay Protection Circuit

Aim:To study the role of freewheeling diode across inductive load.
Theory:
❖ Inductor is passive device which stores energy in the form of magnetic field.
❖ Inductor always try to maintain constant current.
❖ As a opposition to sudden change in current inductor produces high voltage spikes.
❖ The voltage produced is given by V=L*di/dt.
❖ This voltage transient if high can cause switch breakdown.
Schematic :

Fig A.1) Relay circuit Fig. A.2) Inductive load ckt

Components: Breadboard, Relay(24V,610 ohm),LED(10mm),Resistor(2.2K),Switch,wires.

Instruments: SMPS (24V), Digital multimeter, DSO ,Probes
Procedure:
❖ Follow all safety protocols.
❖ Collect the components and instruments as mentioned above.
❖ Test the components and calibrate the instruments .
❖ Do proper connections as per the schematic.
❖ After these process final step is to observe and make conclusion for better understanding.

Observation:

Symtronics Automation System Pvt.Ltd, Bhosari, Pune 1

Prepared by Prashant M. Chavan
Relay Protection circuit using freewheeling diode

1) After switching on the circuit relay energizes , relay thereafter switches from NC TO NO and
drives the load if connected for ex: DC Motor.
2) Observe the voltage across relay and note down the readings.
3) After the removal of Switch, Connected between second terminal of relay coil and GND LED
glows for fraction of second .
4) LED glows because inductor gets low resistance discharge path through LED.
5) Observe the voltage across LED and note down the readings
6) Observe the waveforms of current and voltage on DSO at various checkpoints as mentioned
Waveforms:
1) Implementation on breadboard

2) Output on Oscilloscope at second terminal of coil

3) Practical lab photo

Symtronics Automation System Pvt.Ltd, Bhosari, Pune 2

Prepared by Prashant M. Chavan
Relay Protection circuit using freewheeling diode

Conclusion:
1. From the observation we understand the necessity of connecting the protection circuit like
freewheeling diode across inductive load such as relay.
2. The freewheeling diode works as voltage surge clamp circuit which clamps the excess voltage
spike thereby bypassing the current.
3. Freewheeling diode acts as a protection circuit across back emf produced by inductive load
when it reverse its polarity while discharging.
4.
Precaution:
1. Be careful while dealing with inductive load.
2. Make sure that freewheeling diode is connected in reverse bias across inductive load.
3. After the experiment is completed make sure that components are removed properly,
when the ac supply is off.

E-O-F

Symtronics Automation System Pvt.Ltd, Bhosari, Pune 3

Prepared by Prashant M. Chavan