As an electric motor’s rotor turns in close proximity to the motor windings, a bucking voltage or back electromotive force (EMF) is generated. The back EMF (BEMF) generated across the start winding is ...

Potential relays are commonly found on many smaller, single-phase, capacitor-start, capacitor-run motors in the HVACR industry. Their function is to assist in starting the electric motor. Potential ...

Over the years, control relays of various types have been used by the hundreds — even thousands — to control nearly every function in commercial and industrial processes. Today, many of those ...

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, ...

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.

Even the best relays can fail at some point, but what causes them to fail? Conventional wisdom lays the blame on worn-out contacts. And there is some truth to that view. Every electromechanical relay ...

One of the biggest trends in the switch and relay markets is the call for more options to help designers select the best switching device for their application. Other big asks are for longer life, ...

No matter what the application is, when a definite-purpose solution is required, time delay relays (TDRs) can provide simple, reliable, and economical control. Adjusting the delay time is often as ...

Relays continue to be useful and popular, but in low-power, battery operated applications they tend to be power wasters. The following relay economy circuits reduce coil power significantly by simply ...

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 ...

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 ...