What is inductive load switching?

An inductive load is any device which has a coil of wire which, when energized, generally performs some kind of mechanical work. The magnetic field caused by the current flow can move the switching contacts in a relay or contactor, operate solenoid valves, or rotate a shaft in a motor.

What is a problem when switching inductive loads?

There are two issues arising from the output switch being turned off to protect from overheating; the first is less time for demag (potentially failing to fully discharge the inductor), and the second is insufficient time for the inductor to fully charge (potentially failing to operate correctly in the case of a device …

Can I use relay for switching?

Relays are generally used to switch smaller currents in a control circuit and do not usually control power consuming devices except for small motors and Solenoids that draw low amps. In addition, relays are also widely used to switch starting coils, heating elements, pilot lights and audible alarms.

How do you protect inductive loads?

The more quickly the current changes, the higher the voltage. One way to protect your power supply from high fly-back voltages when driving inductive loads or loads having stored energy that could be circulated back to the power supply is to use a protective diode network at the output of the power supply.

Is relay an inductive load?

The biggest “enemy” of a common relay is an inductive load, such as a solenoid or an electromagnet. Its behavior is the most damaging, capable of completely destroying (welding or burning) the relay contacts. It behaves in the opposite way compared to a capacitive load.

Is a relay an inductive or resistive load?

Relays are often rated for switching resistive loads. Inductive loads can be very hard on the contacts of a relay. A resistive load is a device that stays electrically quiet when powered up, such as an incandescent light bulb.

Is a relay an inductive load?

Why use a relay and not a switch?

While a relay does add an extra step to the switching process, the main advantage is that you can leave the actual switching of high-power circuits for things like off-road lights or air compressors in the engine compartment, and control that switching with a much smaller amperage circuit that energizes the relay’s …

Is a relay coil an inductive load?

Are relays inductive loads?

Is a power supply an inductive load?

Figure 1 shows an inductive load connected to a DC power supply. When the power supply is turned on, current flows through the coil and a magnetic field builds up around the inductor. That magnetic field is a source of potential energy.

What type of load is a relay?

General-purpose Relay: Types of Loads

Why do capacitive and inductive relays fail?

For capacitive and inductive loads, these can be orders of magnitude higher than the rated values, and an undersized relay or a lack of the appropriate limiting circuitry can easily result in destroyed contacts.

Are reed relays suitable for highly inductive load applications?

If Reed relays are used for moderate inductive load applications, they may require employing circuit protection measures. Reed relays are perfectly suited for a broad range of control applications but are not typically called upon as a solution for highly inductive loads. Is synchronous mode the only mode that can use a BERT pattern?

What is an inductive load?

An inductive load is any device which has a coil of wire which, when energized, generally performs some kind of mechanical work. The magnetic field caused by the current flow can move the switching contacts in a relay or contactor, operate solenoid valves, or rotate a shaft in a motor.

How can I limit the surge of an inductive switch?

Surges can be limited by connecting various electrical components in parallel to the inductive load in order to shunt the switch-off spike voltage generated at the inductive load (coil) terminals: