Relays

Choosing Relays components

Electromechanical relay selection is straightforward when the load is well-characterized, but cheap parts in this category have a habit of producing intermittent faults: contacts that bounce, coils that draw inrush current the driving output cannot supply, and sockets with poor retention. Match the OEM original where you can.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Coil voltage: 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 110 VAC, 220 VAC, etc.
Coil current at rated voltage (PLC outputs have a maximum current per channel)
Contact configuration: SPST (1 Form A), SPDT (1 Form C), DPDT (2 Form C), 4PDT (4 Form C)
Contact rating at AC and DC — the DC rating is usually much lower than AC due to no zero-cross
Contact material: standard AgNi (general), AgSnO (high inrush), gold-flashed (low signal)
Socket vs. plug-in vs. PCB mount
Pin pattern: 8-pin square, 11-pin round (octal), 14-pin square, blade-style
Mechanical and electrical life ratings — mechanical typically 10–50 million cycles, electrical 100,000–1,000,000 cycles at rated load

Common gotchas: a relay rated 10 A AC may be rated only 3–5 A DC because DC arcs do not self-extinguish at zero-cross. Switching DC loads at their AC rating burns the contacts quickly. Gold-flashed contacts are essential for low-signal (mA-level) switching but should not be used for higher currents — the gold wears off and the contacts pit. Octal-base 11-pin relays look interchangeable but pin orientations (CW vs. CCW from top) differ between brands; check the socket diagram. Relay sockets with poor screw-terminal retention loosen under vibration; spring-clamp terminals avoid this failure mode.

Typical applications: PLC output isolation (interface relays), motor starter coil control, solenoid valve switching, signal interfacing between voltage levels, and timer/sequencing in cabinet control logic. On legacy installations, exact-OEM replacement preserves the socket and wiring; substitutes often require new sockets or rewiring.

For obsolete relays, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.

Do you stock obsolete relays?

Yes. Discontinued Omron MY-series codes, retired Finder 38 first generations, end-of-life Allen-Bradley 700-P, and earlier IDEC RU-series are sourced through our supplier network.

Why does my relay buzz on a PLC output?

Usually the relay coil is drawing more current than the PLC output is rated for, causing the output to chatter. Use an interface relay sized to the PLC output current, or a smaller coil-current pilot relay to drive the larger relay's coil.

Can I substitute a relay with a different contact material?

For the same current rating, usually yes. For high-inrush loads (motor coils, lamps), AgSnO contacts last longer than standard AgNi. For low-signal switching, gold-flashed contacts are essential — substituting standard contacts means switching unreliably.

Are sockets included?

Plug-in relays and sockets are typically sold separately because the same relay fits multiple socket styles. Send the socket style needed (8-pin square, 11-pin octal, 14-pin square) for a coordinated order.

How long do relays typically last?

Mechanical life is typically 10–50 million operations. Electrical life depends on the load — 100,000+ cycles at rated current for resistive loads, fewer for high-inrush or high-DC. Expected lifetime in your application depends on cycle rate.

What is the warranty?

12-month functional warranty. Wear from extended high-cycle use, contact damage from over-current or DC switching beyond rating, and coil damage from over-voltage are not covered.

Autonics AT11DN Multi-Function Analog Timers

Autonics AT11DN-1 Multi-Function Analog Timers

Autonics AT11DN-2 Multi-Function Analog Timers

Autonics AT11EN Multi-Function Analog Timers

Autonics AT11EN-2 Multi-Function Analog Timers

Autonics AT8N Multi-Function Analog Timers

Autonics AT8N-1 Multi-Function Analog Timers

Autonics AT8N-2 Multi-Function Analog Timers

Autonics AT8PMN Power OFF Delay Analog Timers

Autonics AT8PMN-6 Power OFF Delay Analog Timers

Autonics AT8PSN Power OFF Delay Analog Timers

Autonics AT8PSN-2 Power OFF Delay Analog Timers

Autonics AT8PSN-6 Power OFF Delay Analog Timers

Autonics AT8PSN-7 Power OFF Delay Analog Timers

Autonics AT8SDN Star-Delta Analog Timers

Autonics ATE8-41 Simple Operation Analog Timers

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