Relays and Timers

101 Basics

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Relays and Timers

101 Basics

What are the 101 Basics?

These modules provide an introduction to various products and services available in the electrical
control, distribution and power quality categories.
The modules are organized by market segment and you can link here to view a planning page to help
select the modules that meet your product and service knowledge needs.

What will you learn from this module?

You will learn:

What a relay is and why it is needed.

Differences between the types of relays available.
What a timer is and why it is needed.
The differences between timing functions.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics

Included in this Module

Audio Option

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your speakers without missing any of the key module concepts.

Printed Materials

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notes while working though this material.

Knowledge Checks

The knowledge check questions located throughout the module are not included in your
final module score.

Assessment

An assessment is used to evaluate learning effectiveness and will be your final module score.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics

Learn
Welcome to Relays and Timers. This module is designed to increase your technical knowledge
of these products.

Assessment
Do you know relays and timers? Test your knowledge. An 80% or better is required to
pass this module.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Relays and Timers

This module will start with relays and then discuss timers.

Relays

Timers

Switches that open and

close circuits
electromechanically or
electronically.

Control timing in
applications where
functions need to be
delayed or loads need to
be maintained for a
predetermined period of
time.

Relays and Timers

Objectives

101 Basics - Learn

By the end of this section,

you will understand:

What is a Relay?
Relays are electrically operated switches. Relays are the electrical
control workhorses that allow one electrical circuit to control one
or more other circuits by opening and closing its contacts in
response to energizing or de-energizing its coil.

1. What a relay is and why

it is needed.
2. Differences between
the types of relays
available.

Relays are widely used to switch starting coils, heating elements, pilot lights and
audible alarms. In addition to dishwashers, refrigerators, heating and air
conditioning systems, relays control the operation of machine tools, industrial
assembly lines and commercial equipment.
Protective relays can prevent equipment damage by detecting
electrical abnormalities, including overcurrent, undercurrent,
overloads and reverse currents.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Electromechanical Relays
Relays are either electromechanical (EMR) or solid-state (SSR).
We will cover electromechanical first and then move on to solid-state.
General purpose relays are electromechanical switches that are usually
operated by a magnetic coil.
Operate with AC or DC current, at common voltages such as 12V, 24V,
48V, 120V and 230V. Can control currents ranging from 2A 30A.
These relays are economical, easy to replace and allow a wide range of switch configuration.
Examples of where these are used are: Interposing (between a programmable logic
controllers and a large load) and simple logic circuits.
Eaton offers electromechanical and solid-state relays in various ampere and voltage ratings.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Relay in rest state

Electromechanical Relay Components

The basic components of a relay include:
FRAME 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 The moving part of the relay that opens and
closes the contacts. An attached spring returns the armature
to its original position.

Click either image

to learn how the
relay works

CONTACTS The conducting part of the switch that makes

(closes) or breaks (opens) a circuit.

Relay in engaged state

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Electromechanical Relay Components

A relay involves two circuits:

The basic1.components
of a circuit
coil relay include:
The energizing
2. The contact circuit
FRAME Contains and supports the parts of the relay.
The coil is on the energizing side and the relay contacts are on the contact
COIL Wire
side. is wound around a metal core. The coil of wire
causes and electromagnetic field.
When a relay coil is energized, current flowing through the coil creates a
ARMATURE
Thefield.
moving
part ofintheanrelay
andbasic function remains the
magnetic
Whether
AC orthat
DCopens
unit, the
closes the
contacts.
An attached
spring returns
theplate,
armature
same:
the magnetic
coil attracts
a ferrous
which is part of the
to its original
position.
armature.

Click the image to

CONTACTS
Theofconducting
partisofattached
the switch
thatmetal
makesframe, which
learn
how the
Oneend
the armature
to the
is formed
so relay
(closes) that
or breaks
(opens) acan
circuit.
works
the armature
pivot, while the other end opens and closes the
contacts.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Electromechanical Relay Contacts

Contacts come in a number of configurations, depending on the number of breaks, poles and
throws that make up the relay.
For instance, a relay might be described as a single-pole, single-throw (SPST) or double-pole,
single-throw (DPST).
Click below to see the descriptions of breaks, poles and throws.

Pole

Break

Throw

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

POLE The number ofRelay

completely
isolated circuits that a relay can
Electromechanical
Contacts

Single Pole,

Double Throw
pass through a switch. A single-pole contact (SP) can carry
current through only one circuit at a time. A double-pole contact
Contacts come in a number of configurations, depending on the number of breaks, poles and throws
(DP) can carry current through two isolated circuits
that make up the relay.
simultaneously.
For instance, a relay might be described as a single-pole, single-throw (SPST), or double-pole, singleBREAK
The number of separate places or contacts that a switch
throw
(DPST).

uses to open or close a single electrical circuit. All contacts are

Click
below
to see
the or
descriptions
of breaks,
poles and
throws.
either
single
break
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.

Double Pole,
Double Throw

THROW 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.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Solid-State Relays
Solid-state relays (SSR) perform many applications that an
electromechanical relay can perform. The SSR differs in that it
has no moving mechanical parts within it and has some
distinct advantages over an electromechanical relay.
When used correctly in the intended application, the SSR
provides a high degree of reliability, a long service life,
significantly reduced electromagnetic interference, fast
response and high vibration resistance.
Applications for the SSR typically include equipment that
requires high cycling rates, low acoustical or electrical noise,
or high vibration resistance. Some examples are medical
equipment, heating/cooling equipment, lighting control and
pumps/compressors, among others.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Solid-State Relay Components

Solid-state relays consist of an input circuit, a control circuit and an output circuit.

INPUT CIRCUIT Portion of the relay to which the control

component is connected. The circuit is activated when a
voltage within the relays specified pickup voltage range is
applied to the relay input.
CONTROL CIRCUIT Determines when the output
component is energized or de-energized. It functions as
the coupling between the input and output circuits. This
is often an optic coupling.
OUTPUT CIRCUIT Switches on the load. Solid-state
relays normally only have one output contact.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Solid-State Relay Types

The type of solid-state relay used in an application depends upon the load to be controlled.
The next few slides will define these types.

Zero
Switching

Instant
ON

Peak
Switching

Analog
Switching

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Solid-State Relay Types

The type of solid-state relay used in an application depends upon the load to be controlled.

Zero Switching

ON thewill
load
whenthese
the control
The nextTurns
few slides
define
types. (minimum operating) voltage is applied and
the voltage of the load is close to zero.
The relay turns OFF the load when the control voltage is removed and the
current in the load is close to zero.

Zero -

Instant

This
relay is the most widelyON
used.
Switching

Peak
Switching

Analog
Switching

Application:
To control resistive loads, such as the temperature of heating elements, solder
irons, incubators and ovens. These relays control the switching of incandescent
lamps, tungsten lamps, flashing lamps and programmable controller interfacing.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Solid-State Relay Types

The type of solid-state relay used in an application depends upon the load to be controlled.

Instant ON

The nextTurns
few slides
define
these types.
ON thewill
load
immediately
when the pickup voltage is present.
This allows the load to be turned ON at any point in its up and down wave
pattern.

Zero Instant
Peak
Analog
Application:
Switching
ONas contactors,Switching
To
control inductive loads such
magnetic valves and Switching
starters, valve
positioning magnetic brakes, small motors, lighting systems (fluorescent and
HID) and programmable controller interfaces.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Solid-State Relay Types

The type of solid-state relay used in an application depends upon the load to be controlled.

Peak Switching

The nextTurns
few slides
define
types. voltage is present and the voltage of the
ON thewill
load
whenthese
the control
load is at its peak.
The relay turns OFF when the control voltage is removed and the current in the
load is close to zero.

Zero -

Instant

Peak

Analog

Switching
ON
Switching
Switching
Application:
To control transformers and other heavy inductive loads. These relays control
the switching of transformers, large motors, DC loads, high inductive lamps,
magnetic valves and small DC motors.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Solid-State Relay Types

The type of solid-state relay used in an application depends upon the load to be controlled.

Analog Switching

infinite
number
The next This
few relay
slideshas
willan
define
these
types.of possible output voltages within the relays
rated range.
An analog switching relay has a built-in synchronizing circuit that controls the
amount of output voltage as a function of the input voltage. This allows a
ramp-up
to be on the load.
Zero -function of timeInstant
Peak
Analog

Switching

ON

Switching

Switching

This relay turns OFF when the control voltage is removed and the current in the
load is near zero and switches ON in accordance with the control input voltage.
Application:
Designed for closed loop applications, for example, a temperature control with
feedback from a temperature sensor to the controller.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Comparison of Relays

Solid-State

Electromechanical

Strengths

Weaknesses

Normally have multi-throw, multi-pole contact arrangements

Contacts can switch AC or DC
Low initial cost
Low contact voltage drop, thus no heat sink is required
Resistant to voltage transients
No OFF-state leakage current through open contacts
Some allow replacement of contacts

Long life when properly applied

No contacts to wear out

No contact arcing to generate electromagnetic interference

Resistant to shock and vibration because they have no

moving parts
Logic compatible to programmable controllers, digital circuits
and computers
Fast switching capability
Different switching modes (zero switching, instant ON, etc)

Contact wear-out
Rapid switching application or high
current loads will shorten contact
life
Generates electromagnetic noise
and interference on power lines
Poor performance when switching
high inrush currents
Normally only one contact available
per relay
Heat sink required due to voltage
drop across switch
OFF-state leakage current when
switch is open

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Objectives
By the end of this section,
you will understand:

What is a Timer?
A timing relay is a simple form of time-based control, allowing
the user to open or close the contacts based on a specified
timing function. They can be designed, for example, with a set of
selector switches, which can easily be set to a specific function
and time, thereby reducing the number of product variations
required.

1. What a timer is and why

it is needed.
2. The differences
between timing
functions.

Eaton offers timers in direct DIN rail,

panel and socket mount and multiple
timing functions.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

What is a Timer? (continued)

Timers create a time delay (provided by a variety of solidstate electronic devices, enclosed in the timer) in an
electrical circuit. They can control timing functions ranging
from a fraction of a second to hundreds of seconds.
Timers are ideal for high variability operations, such as
systems integrators, distributors, and small equipment
manufacturers. The compact design saves panel space, and
the low cost and high flexibility of the units reduce
inventory requirements.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Example
A forklift triggers a presence sensor as it approaches a
closed door separating the dock from the warehouse. The
sensor signals the door to automatically open.
To prevent the door from closing on the vehicle as it passes
through, a timer starts, preventing the door motor from
operating for a set period of time. When the time elapses,
the door closes.
This is just one example of how timers can be used.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Timing Functions
Timers offer a variety of timing functions and are
available to meet the many different
requirements of time-based circuits. In addition,
a timer can be modified to deliver a different
timing function.

Clicktoseesome
examplesoftiming
functions
More information and diagrams on these timing
functions can be found in Eatons Control Relay
and Timer catalog. Sample pages are also
included in this module, under Attachments.

FlasherControl Signal Start, ON

First

ON Delay Control Signal Start,

Trailing Edge OFF

Memory Latch
Control Switch Make

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Timing Functions

Timing
Function

Howit Works

ONDelay

OFFDelay

OneShot

Recycle

When power is applied to the timer, a preset period of time must pass before the
contacts open or close.
The timer may be used to delay turning a load ON or OFF, depending on the way the
timer contacts are connected into the circuit.
When a NO contact is used the load energizes after the preset time delay.
When a NC contact is used, the load de-energizes after the preset time delay.
In this circuit, when power is applied to the timer, the contacts immediately close and
the load is energized.
When power is removed from the timer, a preset period of time must pass before the
timer contacts return to their normal position and the load is de-energized.
When power is applied to the timer, the contacts change position immediately and
remain changed for the set period of time after the timer has received power.
After the set period of time has passed, the contacts return to their normal position.
The closing of the control switch starts the cycling function.
The load continues to turn ON and OFF at regular time intervals as long as the control
switch is closed.
The cycling function stops when the control switch is open.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Learn

Module Summary

After reviewing the material in this module, you should now understand:

What a relay is and why it is needed.

Differences between the types of relays available.
What a timer is and why it is needed.
The differences between timing functions.

Relays and Timers

101 Basics - Assessment
Assessment

This is the final section of this module. If you have any comments or
suggestions about this module please email EETraining@eaton.com

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Relays and Timers

101 Basics
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