In addition to directly performing logic functions, electromechanical relays may also be used as interposing devices between mismatched sensors, controllers, and/or control devices. A very simple example of a relay used to interpose between mismatched devices is shown in the following circuit diagram, where a delicate toggle switch is used to control a bank of high-power lights for an off-road vehicle:
In this circuit the relay performs no logic function whatsoever. Rather, it merely “amplifies” the signal sent by the dashboard toggle switch to send or halt power to the bank of high-power lights. Without the relay, a much heavier-duty toggle switch would have to be installed in the dashboard of this vehicle to safely and reliably make and break the light circuit.
Another example of an interposing relay found in automotive applications is the use of a “solenoid” in the electric starting motor circuit for an internal combustion engine. The “start” control switch is typically actuated by the driver turning a key, that switch mounted on the steering column or dashboard of the vehicle. The starting motor, meanwhile, typically draws hundreds of amps of current as it labors to start up the engine. A keyswitch capable of making and breaking hundreds of amps of current would be enormous, and in fact dangerous to locate in the cab of the vehicle. The “solenoid” relay connected between the keyswitch and the starting motor relocates that danger, and allows a relatively delicate keyswitch to safely activate the high-power motor.
An industrial example of an interposing relay between mismatched devices is shown here, where a DC output proximity switch must trigger an input channel to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) rated for 120 volts AC:
Again, the relay in this system performs no logic function, but merely allows the proximity switch to drive one of the PLC input channels. Directly connecting the proximity switch to one of the input channels of the PLC is not a practical option, because this particular PLC input requires 120 volts AC to activate, and our proximity switch operates on 24 volts DC. The mismatch between switch voltage and PLC input voltage requires us to use the relay to “interpose” between the switch and PLC. When the proximity switch senses an object nearby, its output activates, which in turn energizes the relay coil. When the relay contact magnetically closes, it completes a circuit for 120 volts AC to reach input channel 0 on the PLC, thereby energizing it.
An important detail in this relay circuit is the inclusion of a commutating diode in parallel with the relay coil, the purpose being to dissipate the coil’s stored energy upon de-energization when the proximity switch turns off. Without this diode in place, the coil’s “kickback” voltage (which may reach hundreds of volts in potential) will destroy the proximity switch’s output transistor.
Note how this commutating diode appears to be connected “backwards” with regard to the polarity of the 24 volt DC power source: cathode toward the source’s positive pole and anode toward the source’s negative pole. This is intentional, as we do not wish to have the diode conduct when power is applied to the relay coil through the proximity switch2 . The diode only turns on when the polarity reverses, which is what happens when the proximity switch turns off and the relay coil’s magnetic field collapses (now acting as a source rather than as a load). As the relay coil temporarily outputs a “reverse” voltage, the diode gives that coil a continuous path for its current while dropping a low voltage (about 0.7 volts DC), dissipating the coil’s stored energy in the form of heat at the diode.
Interposing relays are also used to connected mismatched PLC outputs and control devices. In this application, the mismatch may be in terms of voltage ratings and/or current ratings. As with the input interposing circuit shown previously, the task of the relay in an output interposing circuit is to be controlled by the PLC’s output channel, and in turn direct power to a field device that is itself incompatible with the PLC’s output.
The following diagram shows an example of an interposing relay connected to a PLC output channel:
In this circuit the PLC’s transistor outputs can only handle 24 volts DC, and at fairly low current. The three-phase contactor3 coil requires 120 volts AC at modest current levels to function, and so the relay interposes between the PLC’s low-voltage and low-current output channel and the relatively high-voltage and high-current demands of the contactor’s coil. Once again we see the use of a commutating diode to dissipate the relay coil’s stored energy whenever the PLC de-energizes it, so that the resulting “kickback” voltage does not damage the fragile transistor output circuitry within the PLC.
11.4 Review of fundamental principles
Shown here is a partial listing of principles applied in the subject matter of this chapter, given for the purpose of expanding the reader’s view of this chapter’s concepts and of their general inter-relationships with concepts elsewhere in the book. Your abilities as a problem-solver and as a life-long learner will be greatly enhanced by mastering the applications of these principles to a wide variety of topics, the more varied the better.
- Amplification: the control of a relatively large signal by a relatively small signal. Relevant to the role of relays as interposing devices.
- Interposing: the use of a relay as an intermediary between electrically incompatible devices.
- “Normal” switch status: the “normal” status of a switch contact as defined by the manufacturer is its resting condition (minimum stimulus).
- “Seal-in” circuit: when an electrical relay uses one of its own switch contacts to continue its own coil energization after the initial triggering event has passed. Relevant to all manner of relay control circuits.
References
Summers, Wilford I. and Croft, Terrell, American Electrician’s Handbook, Eleventh Edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, NY, 1987.