SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING

Actuators: Relay
(PRACTICAL SESSION 2)

Subject: Fundamentals of Mechatronics

Subject code: TMEM3742
Due Date: 05/11/2021

201607124 Hauwanga Timotheus T

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Table of Content

Introduction
Theoretical Background
Experimental Procedure
Results and Discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

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Introduction
The aim of this lab session is to learn the construction of a relay and stepper motor, their working
principle and how to use them. At the end of this laboratory session we;
 Understood the construction of an electromagnetic relay as an actuator
 Operated a second circuit via a relay
 Understood a relay’s specifications as indicated on the datasheet
List of components and equipment
- Relay
- Breadboard
- Jumper wires
- Resistors
- DC source
- Multimeter
- Oscilloscope

Figure 1. CMP7-Relay

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Theoretical Background
A relay is an electrically operated switch which uses a relatively small current is used to control a much
larger current. A relay does this by creating a magnetic field in a coil (using that small current within a
magnetic core) to operate a switch that controls a much larger current. In this way, an
electromechanical relay uses a small current to switch a much larger current while both circuits are
electrically isolated from each other. The schematic below illustrates how an electromagnetic relay
works.

Figure 2. Schematic of a relay

A relay has electrical, magnetic and mechanical components. An electromechanical relay consists of
three terminals namely the common (COM), normally closed (NC) and the normally open (NO). The NC
and NO terminals get opened and closed when the relay is energised. Relays can work on both AC and
DC supply sources.

Experimental Procedure
Practice session
(a) On the CMP7, identify the coil terminals, the COM, NC and the NO terminals.
(b) Classify the relay based on the number of poles and throws. Draw the circuit symbol of the
CMP7.
(c) Reading the relay datasheet.

Max. switching voltage (VSMax) is the maximum voltage that can be across the contacts whether the
relay is open or closed. Too high a voltage causes arcing which erodes contacts. Erosion shortens
the lifespan of the relay.

Max. switching current (ISMax) is the maximum current that the relay can sustain when being opened
or closed and without suffering contact damage.

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Carry current – If the relay contacts are already closed, the relay may be able to sustain a
current higher than the maximum switching current. This is called the carry current. The
relay must not be opened while carrying the carry current. The current must be reduced
first.

Max. Switching Power – the power rating has a big impact on the lifespan of the relay. For the
CMP7, the switching power is;

VSMax x ISMax
24 V x 30 A = 720 W

In general, however, the power rating of a relay is lower than V SMax x ISMax. The higher the
maximum switched voltage, lower the maximum switched current.

Operating time- is the time from when the rated voltage is applied to the coil, until the time when
normally open contacts close. This time is usually in the order of milliseconds. The operate time
includes the bouncing action of the contacts.

Release time – release time of the relay is the transition time from the instant the coil is deenergized, to
the instant the normally open contact open from its closed position. It includes the
time for the magnetic field to collapse and release the lever arm.

Due to bouncing and the magnetic field decay, it is clear that there is delay during the closing and
opening of a relay. In timing applications where such delays are critical, the designer needs to
consider the Operating time and release time.

Results and Discussions

The most important aspect of this exercise was to find the common terminals of the relay because this is
the reference of all other terminals for the NC and NO could be established. An important analysis was
made that the relay must not be opened while carrying the carry current. The current must be reduced
first.

Conclusions and Recommendations

In conclusion it could be found that the aim of this lab session was a success since all objectives were
met which included the learning of the construction of a relay and stepper motor, their working
principle and how they are used. Furthermore, we understood the construction of an electromagnetic
relay as an actuator, a relay’s specifications as indicated on the datasheet and operated a second circuit
via a relay.

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References
1. Icons of Invention: The Makers of the Modern World from Gutenberg to Gates. ABC-
CLIO. 2009. p. 153. ISBN 9780313347436.
2. "The electromechanical relay of Joseph Henry". Georgi Dalakov. Archived from the
original on 2012-06-18. Retrieved 2012-06-21.
3. Scientific American Inventions and Discoveries: All the Milestones in Ingenuity--From
the Discovery of Fire to the Invention of the Microwave Oven. John Wiley & Sons. 2005-
01-28. p.  311. ISBN  9780471660248.
4. Thomas Coulson (1950). Joseph Henry: His Life and Work. Princeton: Princeton
University Press.
5. Gibberd, William (1966). "Edward Davy". Australian Dictionary of Biography.
Melbourne University Press. ISSN  1833-7538. Retrieved 7 June 2012 – via National
Centre of Biography, Australian National University.