Relays and contactors are electrically operated switches intended for both switching of loads and controlling electrical circuits. Functionally, relays and contactors fulfill the same role in a circuit which is to provide isolation between a control circuit and an output circuit. Inherent advantages such as small size, PCB mount capability, and low cost allow engineers to replace contactors with relays in several applications.
Relays vs contactors
Relays and contactors fulfill the same role in a circuit by providing isolation between a control circuit and an output circuit. With essentially the same functionality, there are inherent similarities. Both components use a coil on the input side which creates an electromagnetic field to open and close contacts on the output side. They both come in various arrangements, including normally open and normally closed contacts with multiple poles. However, there are also key differences in these technologies, which have led engineers to start replacing contactors with relays.
Learn more about the advantages of relays and get more information on Panasonic’s HE Series relay PV type, HE-N Series relays and HE-S relays in an expert overview by Panasonic.