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| Fig 1. - What is a Relay and How it Works? |
What is a relay?
A relay is an electromagnetic switch used to turn a circuit on and off by a low-power electrical signal, or when multiple circuits need to be controlled by a single signal.
We know that most high-end devices for industrial applications require relays for their effective operation.
Relays are simple switches that are electrically and mechanically operated. Relays consist of an electromagnet and a series of contacts. The switching mechanism is carried out with the help of the electromagnet.
There are also other functional principles for their operation. However, they differ depending on the application.
Why use a Relay?
A relay is mainly used where only a low power signal can be used to control a circuit. It is also used when only one signal can be used to control many circuits.
The use of relays began with the invention of the telephone. They played an important role in exchanging calls in telephone exchanges.
They were also used in long distance telegraphy. They were used to transmit the signal coming from one source to another destination.
After the invention of computers, they were also used for logical operations and other switching operations.
The most demanding applications of relays are those that require high power to be activated such as electric motors, high current switches and so on. Such relays for these applications are called contactors.
Architecture of Relay
A relay consists of only five main components. These are:
- Electromagnetic Coil
- Mobile Armature
- NC, NA, COM Switching points
- Magnetic core
In Figure 2 below, show the actual construction of a simple relay.
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| Fig.2 - Basic Architecture of the 5-pole Relay |
It is an electromagnetic relay with a coil of wire surrounded by an iron core. A very low reluctance path for the magnetic flux is provided for the movable armature with the articulator and also for the switch point contacts NO, NC, COM.
The movable armature is connected to the yoke, which is mechanically connected to the switching point contacts.
These parts are secured by means of a spring. The spring is used to create an air gap in the circuit when the relay is de-energized.
How does the relay work?
The function of the relay can be better understood by explaining the diagram in Figure 3 below.
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| Fig. 3 - Relay schematic diagram |
The diagram shows an internal sectional view of a relay. A control coil as shown.
As soon as current flows through the coil, the electromagnet is energized and a magnetic field is created.
Shortly thereafter, the upper contact arm is attracted by the lower fixed arm, closing the contacts, which causes the moving blade to switch from the normally closed "NC" circuit, to normally open "NO".
Immediately after the circuit is de-energized, the contact will move in the opposite way and make the NO circuit to the NC.
Once the coil current is switched off, the moving armature is returned to its initial position by a force. This force is almost equal to half the magnetic force.
Relays are manufactured mainly for two basic applications. One is the low voltage application and the other is the high voltage application.
For low voltage applications, more emphasis is given to reduce the noise of the whole circuit. For high voltage applications, they are primarily designed to reduce a phenomenon called Arc Flash.
Relay Base
The base for all relays is the same. Take a look at the 5-pole relay shown in Figure 4 below. There are two colors shown. The yellow color represents the control circuit and the green color represents the load circuit.
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| Fig. 4 - Relay Structural Diagram |
A small control coil is connected to the control circuit. A switch is connected to the load. This switch is controlled by the coil in the control circuit. Now let us look at the various steps that take place in a relay.
Relay energized (ON)
As shown in Figure 4, a magnetic field is created when current flows through the coils represented by the yellow pins.
This magnetic field causes the Mobile Armature to switch, completing the circuit between the terminals NO and COMMON.
De-energized relay (OFF)
As soon as the current flow through the coil pins ends, the strength of the magnetic field also ends and the Mobile Armature is set to its natural state by the spring force opposing the strength of the magnetic field and returns to its initial state by closing the NC and COMMON contacts again.
Simply put, when voltage is applied to the coil's current pins, the electromagnet is activated, creating a magnetic field that closes the pins NO and COMMON, creating a closed circuit between NO and COMMON.
When no voltage is applied to the coil pin, there is no electromagnetic force and therefore no magnetic field. Therefore, the switches remain in their natural closed state NC and COMMON.
Switching poles
Relays have exactly the function of a switch. Therefore, the same concept is applied. A relay is said to switch one or more poles. Each pole has contacts that can be switched in three ways. They are:
Normally open contact [NO]
The NO contact is also called the manufacturer's contact. It closes the circuit when the relay is inactive or not energized, and breaks the circuit when the relay is active or energized.
Normally Closed contact [NC]
The NC contact is also referred to as the normally closed contact. It is the opposite of the NO contact. When the relay is energized, the NC circuit is broken. When the relay is deactivated, the NC circuit is reconnected.
Changeover Contacts (CC) / Double-throw [DT]
This type of contact is used to control two types of circuits. They are used to control both a NO contact and a NC contact with a common terminal.
Depending on the type, they are called normally closed before normally open and normally open before normally closed.
Relays can be used to control multiple circuits by a single signal. A relay connects one or more poles, any of which can be actuated by energizing the coil.
Relays are also referred to by names such as.
Single Pole Single Throw [SPST]
The SPST relay has a total of four terminals. These two terminals can be connected or disconnected. The other two terminals are needed to connect the coil.
Single Double Pole Throw [SPDT]
The SPDT relay has a total of five terminals. Two of them are the coil terminals. There is also a common terminal that can be connected to one of the other two terminals.
Double Single Pole Throw [DPST]
The DPST relay has a total of six terminals. These terminals are divided into two pairs. This allows them to act as two SPSTs controlled by a single coil. Of the six terminals, two are coil terminals.
Double Double Pole Throw [DPDT]
The DPDT relay is the largest relay. It has mainly eight relay terminals. These two rows are designed to be interchangeable with terminals. They are designed to function like two SPDT relays controlled by a single coil.
Relay Applications
A relay circuit is used to perform logic functions. They play a very important role in providing critical safety logic.
Relays are used to provide time delay functions. They are used to delay and retard the closing of contacts.
Relays are used to control high voltage circuits using low voltage signals. Similarly, they are used to control high current circuits with the help of low current signals.
They are also used as protective relays. By this function, all faults can be detected and isolated during transmission and reception.
Overload Relay Application
Overload relay is an electromechanical device used to protect motors from overload and power failures. Overload relays are installed on motors to protect them from sudden current spikes that can damage the motor.
An overload relay operates on the principle of current over time and is different from circuit breakers and fuses where a sudden trip occurs to shut down the motor.
The most commonly used overload relay is the thermal overload relay, which uses a bimetallic strip to shut down the motor.
This range is set to make contact with a contactor and doubles in size as the temperature rises due to excessive current flow. The contact between the range and the contactor causes the contactor to de-energize and limit the power to the motor by shutting it down.
Another type of overload motor is the electronic type, which continuously monitors the motor current, while the thermal overload relay shuts down the motor based on the temperature rise/heating of the belt.
All commercially available overload relays have different specifications, the most important of which are actual range and response time. Most of them are designed to restart automatically when the motor is restarted.
Relay selection
When choosing a particular relay, you should consider a few factors. Are they:
Protection
- Various protection measures such as contact protection and coil protection must be considered. Contact protection helps reduce arcing in circuits with inductors. Coil protection helps reduce the overvoltage that occurs during switching.
- Look for a standard relay with all regulatory approvals.
- Switching Time - Order high speed switching relays if you want one.
- Ratings - There are current and voltage ratings. Current ratings range from a few amps to about 3,000 amps. For voltage ratings, they range from 300 volts AC to 600 volts AC. There are also high voltage relays with a voltage rating of about 15,000 volts.
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