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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As automation expands, mechanical functions are relying more and more on electronic control. Solenoids provide an electromechanical interface for many of these applications. In addition, many ...

The cost of component failures continues to increase as electronic products become more complex. Most component replacement costs are associated with marginal devices that become intermittent or fail ...