C Circuit Design
A Load Circuits
C-A-1 Load Switching
In actual Relay operation, the switching capacity, electrical durability, 
and applicable load will vary greatly with the type of load, the 
ambient conditions, and the switching conditions. Confirm operation 
under the actual conditions in which the Relay will be used. 
A Resistive Loads and Inductive Loads
The switching power for an inductive load will be lower than the 
switching power for a resistive load due to the influence of the 
electromagnetic energy stored in the inductive load.
B Switching Voltage (Contact Voltage)
The switching power will be lower with DC loads than it will with AC 
loads. Applying voltage or current between the contacts exceeding 
the maximum values will result in the following:
1. The carbon generated by load switching will accumulate around 
the contacts and cause deterioration of insulation. 
2. Contact deposits and locking will cause contacts to malfunction.
C Switching Current (Contact Current)
Current applied to contacts when they are open or closed will have a 
large effect on the contacts. For example, when the load is a motor or 
a lamp, the larger the inrush current, the greater the amount of 
contact exhaustion and contact transfer will be, leading to deposits, 
locking, and other factors causing the contacts to malfunction. 
(Typical examples illustrating the relationship between load and 
inrush current are given below.) If a current greater than the rated 
current is applied and the load is from a DC power supply, the 
connection and shorting of arcing contacts will result in the loss of 
switching capability.
DC Loads and Inrush Current
AC Loads and Inrush Current
C-A-2 Electrical Durability
Electrical durability will greatly depend on factors such as the coil 
drive circuit, type of load, switching frequency, switching phase, and 
ambient atmosphere. Therefore be sure to check operation in the 
actual application.
-
-3 Failure Rates
The failure rates provided in this catalog are determined through 
tests performed under specified conditions. The values are reference 
values only. The values will depend on the operating frequency, the 
ambient atmosphere, and the expected level of reliability of the 
Relay. Be sure to check relay suitability under actual load conditions.
Incandescent bulb 
(approx. 6 to 11 times 
steady-state current)
Motor
(approx. 5 to 
10 times steady-
state current)
Resistive load
Relay,
solenoid
Time
t
Current
Type of load Ratio of 
inrush 
current 
to 
steady-
state
current
Waveform
Solenoid Approx. 
10
Incandes-
cent bulb
Approx. 
10 to 15
Motor Approx. 
5 to 10
Relay Approx. 
2 to 3
Capacitor Approx. 
20 to 50
Resistive 
load
1
Coil drive circuit Rated voltage applied to coil using 
instantaneous ON/OFF 
Type of load Rated load
Switching frequency According to individual ratings
Switching phase 
(for AC load)
Random ON, OFF
Ambient atmosphere According to JIS C5442 standard test 
conditions
Steady
state
current
Inrush current
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C-5
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