Hello all,

Would anyone have a recommendation for a relay that is better designed to be energized for long periods of time? By long periods of time I mean like all the time. If the power goes out the relay drops and other stuff happens. I read about a "continuous duty" spec but I wanted some opinions on preferred brands/relays for this.

Ideally it would have a 12VDC coil and at least one SPDT switch inside.

TYIA!

 

A good answer will depend on all of the details of the Project, You have given none.

An Automotive application will depend on the maximum ambient Temperature, for instance.

Is the Voltage Regulated ?

Why does it need to be energized at all times ?
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Most standard relays can operate continuously at their rated voltage and ambient temperature.

 

If you use a DPDT relay, or, a relay with one SPDT and one SPNO contact, it can be wired to reduce coil power once energized by using a cap and resistor.

 

Ideally it would have a 12VDC coil and at least one SPDT switch inside.

Describe the load you're switching.

 

Hello all,

Would anyone have a recommendation for a relay that is better designed to be energized for long periods of time? By long periods of time I mean like all the time. If the power goes out the relay drops and other stuff happens. I read about a "continuous duty" spec but I wanted some opinions on preferred brands/relays for this.

Ideally it would have a 12VDC coil and at least one SPDT switch inside.

TYIA!

For something like a life-safety EMO circuit, Schrack Technik, Omron or Panasonic are good choices for high reliability 'always' ON relay circuits. They can be expensive.

Schrack Technik makes quality industrial relays.
https://www.schrack.com/know-how/industry/relays
https://www.schrack.com/know-how/industry/s-relay
https://www.schrack.com/know-how/industry/contactors

 

A year ago I delivered such a system, with a relay that has been actuated almost constantly ever since. The application was "guarding" power for a programmed electric dog door. The reason is that if mains power is lost then the dog door loses the program and the door functions incorrectly until re-programmed. The relay function is to stay latched on until a power failure allows it to release, and then to not latch on until the reset button is pressed.
I can try to locate the brand name and model of the relay for the TS. It is an industrial application control relay, DPST, 120 volt coil and contacts rated for 2 amps, I think.

 

state requirements/application. so far only coil voltage was mentioned, nothing about number type and rating of contacts, type of load (AC/DC) etc. in industry it is expected that relays are rated for continuous duty. MCR is practically always on many plants are operating 24/7/365.

 

I meant it generally speaking, but this specific project would be normal room temperature, low power (switching 6VDC @ maybe 200mA max). But curious about high(er) power recommendations as well. I read a little about mechanical relays and how most are ok with continuous use, but I was curious if a company actually designed a series of relays with that in mind, or even if you guys just preferred certain brands over others that's all. Thanks everyone!

 

From most honest manufacturers, relay specifications include 100% duty cycle, (constant on time.) The only relay applications that are specific for short term only are the 12 volt power relays used to engage "starter motors" used for engine starting applications, and also "horn relays" used for switching on vehicle horns. Both of those applications relays tend to have operating coils that have less wire and so operate at higher current and tend to overheat and fail in continued operation. What tends to cause problems is that there are also relays using exactly the same hardware packages that utilize different coils of different design that are intended for 100% duty cycle operation. The difference is obvious in the specifications and can be verified by measuring the operating coil resistance.

 

or even if you guys just preferred certain brands over others that's all. Thanks everyone!

Over the years, I have stuck with some of the oldest Co. in the business.
Phoenix Contact.
Omron.
Schneider Electric.
Telemecanique.
................et.al.

I only use DC coil versions where ever possible, i.e. new applications etc.

 

I have used G2R relays from several manufacturers in applications where they are on about 99% of the time, without any failures.

 

For something like a life-safety EMO circuit, Schrack Technik, Omron or Panasonic are good choices for high reliability 'always' ON relay circuits. They can be expensive.

Schrack Technik makes quality industrial relays.
https://www.schrack.com/know-how/industry/relays
https://www.schrack.com/know-how/industry/s-relay
https://www.schrack.com/know-how/industry/contactors

Hello: Lance here and brand NEW to this Forum. I am in need of a High Quality 'Continuous Duty', NO, 40A, 240VAC, 3 Pole relay with a 120VAC coil. This relay will be energized (closed) 24/7/365 and connect a Solar system to a primary Power Panel. We are now installing a Generac 40KW Back-Up generator with an ATS for use in case of City, Edison power outages. In case of a City Edison Power Outage, this relay will drop out (open) and disconnect & 'isolate' the Solar System from the primary panel. Once the Edison power is back on-line, the ATS will switch back over to Edison Power, the generator will shut off, this relay will once again 'close' and re-connect the Solar System to the primary power panel. A Schrack Technik relay was recommended by the design engineer because of its quality and dependability. I do NOT know where to buy these and I believe they are made in Austria. Can anyone help me out here and direct me to a Schrack supplier or an alternate 'stocking Mfg.'/source? Thanks much for your time, knowledge and help here, Lance

 

What you need is a good Definite Purpose Contactor. Any of the major brands will work just as well.
https://www.grainger.com/category/e...s-overload-relays/definite-purpose-contactors
Example: https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Square-D/8910DPA43V02?qs=17u8i/zlE8/tKf/FmL525Q==

For Schrack Technik you can order direct is you have a exact part number: https://www.schrack.com/worldwide

 

Group Schnieder carries some very reliable lines, what are the specs SP? DP? rating etc?
i

 

As per @nsaspook, your application describes more a need for a |Contactor than a relay!