Basic parts and functions of Electro-mechanical Relays

DCS
1

Basic parts and functions of electro mechanical relays include:

Frame:

Heavy-duty frame that contains and supports the parts of the relay.

Coil:

Wire is wound around a metal core. The coil of wire causes an electromagnetic field.

Armature:

A relays moving part. The armature opens and closes the contacts. An attached spring returns the armature to its original position.

Contacts:

The conducting part of the switch that makes (closes) or breaks (opens) a circuit.

Electro-mechanical Relays

Relays involve two circuits: the energizing circuit and the contact circuit. The coil is on the energizing side; and the relays contacts are on the contact side. When a relays coil is energized, current flow through the coil creates a magnetic field.

Whether in a DC unit where the polarity is fixed, or in an AC unit where the polarity changes 120 times per second, the basic function remains the same: the magnetic coil attracts a ferrous plate, which is part of the armature.

One end of the armature is attached to the metal frame, which is formed so that the armature can pivot, while the other end opens and closes the contacts. Contacts come in a number of different configurations, depending on the number of Breaks, poles and Throws that make up the relay.

For instance, relays might be described as Single-Pole, Single-Throw (SPST), or Double-Pole, Single-Throw (DPST).

These terms will give an instant indication of the design and function of different types of relays.

  1. Break - This is the number of separate places or contacts that a switch uses to open or close a single electrical circuit. All contacts are either single break or double break. A single break (SB) contact breaks an electrical circuit in one place, while a double break (DB) contact breaks it in two places. Single break contacts are normally used when switching lower power devices such as indicating lights. Double break contacts are used when switching high-power devices such as solenoids.

  2. Pole -This is the number of completely isolated circuits that relays can pass through a switch. A single-pole contact (SP) can carry current through only one circuit at a time. A double-pole contact (DP) can carry current through two isolated circuits simultaneously. The maximum number of poles is 12, depending upon a relays design.

  3. Throw -This is the number of closed contact positions per pole that are available on a switch. A switch with a single throw contact can control only one circuit, while a double-throw contact can control two.

1 Like