Relays and contactors use a variety of technologies to switch signals and power connections. Many devices called relays use similar techniques and topologies, but the terminology can be confusing.

When voltage sags occur inside or outside of a facility, properly placed power quality mitigation technology will save sensitive equipment from costly shutdowns. The cost of this mitigation equipment ...

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and computer-based controllers are great for handling logic and data-collection tasks for industrial controls. But when it comes to driving motors, heaters, ...

Last column, I wrote about various applications where fire alarm relays could be used to integrate a commercial fire alarm system with other electrical systems at a customer’s site to provide them ...

What's a designer to do when challenged with a switching application that requires handling up to 70 kV? These applications are not as rare as one may think. In fact, a broad range of applications in ...

A single-coil latching relay is a relay with memory, usually with a magnetic structure that provides two stable positions for the armature that holds the movable contacts. A permanent magnet provides ...

Proper selection and effective testing can increase contact reliability in the end product while reducing the overall cost of using relays. Who said relays are pass�? While electromechanical relays ...