Terminologies

Relay - A relay is an electrically operated switch. Power

applied to its coil generates a magnetic field that operates
the switch. The operating voltage of its coil may be
different from the load voltage.
Contactor - It is essentially a large capacity relay
specifically designed to control the flow of electrical
power to large electrical loads, such as motors, heaters
and lights. It generally has a multi pole, single throw,
normally open configuration.
Potential Free Contact - Another term often used is
‘Potential Free Contact’ which simply means that the
contact is not energized, or in other words, none of its
pole is connected to internal electrical circuit.
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 Sensor - A Sensor is a device that converts a physical
property such as temperature, pressure, relative
humidity, flow etc. into an electrically or
mechanically measurable signal.
 Transducer - A transducer is a device that converts
one form of energy to another form of energy such as
pneumatic to electric or vice versa.
 Transmitter - Output from a sensor or a transducer
may not be strong enough to be transmitted over long
distances. Transmitter is a device used to amplify the
signal.
 Controller - It is a device that compares the signal
from a Sensor, Transducer or Transmitter with the
desired value and generates a signal based on error.
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 Controlled Device - It receives signal from controller and
varies the flow of control agent like water, air. It may be a
damper or a valve connected to an actuator.
 Stat - Combination of sensor and controller functioning in
one device is often called a ‘stat’ like thermostat,
humidistat, etc.
 Process & Controlled Variable - In an air-conditioning
system, parameter being controlled such as temperature,
RH, pressure etc. is controlled variable and the changes in
these parameters is due to influencing factors in process.
 Control Medium - It is the air, steam or water the flow
regulation of which influences the process to get the desired
value of controlled variable.

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