Inductive loads

Reliably break off arcs that cause wear
When switching solenoid valves and other inductive loads, arcs with voltage peaks of up to several thousand volts can occur. They are caused during the switching process by the energy stored in the coil and can destroy the contact by material vaporization and material migration. Intense arcing occurs when switching inductive DC loads. As a result, relay contacts are subjected to high stress and wear quickly. The use of power relays can reliably suppress the occurrence of such arcs. In addition, an external suppressor circuit is recommended. Arcing also occurs when switching inductive AC loads, but they usually extinguish themselves at the next zero crossing of the load current. The larger the switched inductive loads, the stronger the arcs that occur. In applications with inductive loads above 2 A, power relays should therefore be used instead of conventional signal relays. Otherwise, a significantly reduced service life of the contacts must be expected. On the following pages you will find special products for switching inductive loads above 2 A.
Inductive loads