xxii
Precautions
Relay Output Noise Reduction Methods
The ZEN conforms to EN 61131-2 of the EMC Directives. However, noise generated by 
relay output switching may not satisfy these Standards. In such a case, a noise filter 
must be connected to the load side or other appropriate countermeasures must be 
provided external to the ZEN.
Countermeasures taken to satisfy the standards vary depending on the devices on the 
load side, wiring, configuration of machines, etc. Following are examples of 
countermeasures for reducing the generated noise.
Countermeasures
(Refer to EN61131-2 for more details.)
• Countermeasures are not required if the frequency of load switching for the whole 
system with the ZEN included is less than 5 times per minute.
• Countermeasures are required if the frequency of load switching for the whole 
system with the ZEN included is 5 times per minute or higher.
Countermeasure Examples
When switching an inductive load, connect an surge protector, diodes,
etc., in parallel with the load or contact as shown below.
Circuit Current Characteristic Required element
AC DC
CR method Yes Yes If the load is a relay or 
solenoid, there is a time 
lag between the moment 
the circuit is opened and 
the moment the load is 
reset.
If the supply voltage is 12 
to 48 V, insert the surge 
protector in parallel with 
the load. If the supply 
voltage is 100 to 200 V, 
insert the surge protector 
between the contacts.
The capacitance of the 
capacitor must be 1 to 0.5 
µF 
per contact current of 1 A and 
resistance of the resistor must 
be 0.5 to 1 
Ω per contact 
voltage of 1 V. These values, 
however, vary with the load 
and the characteristics of the 
relay. Decide these values 
from experiments, and take 
into consideration that the 
capacitance suppresses spark 
discharge when the contacts 
are separated and the 
resistance limits the current 
that flows into the load when 
the circuit is closed again.
The dielectric strength of the 
capacitor must be 200 to 
300 V. If the circuit is an AC 
circuit, use a capacitor with no 
polarity.
Power
supply
Inductive
load
C
R
Z211-E1-03.book  Page xxii  Friday, November 21, 2008  10:38 AM