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What is the difference between a relay and a solid state relay?

By Erric Ravi posted Fri March 13, 2020 12:47 AM

  

 

To begin with, solid state relays are considered as a superior power switching solutions; however some might not agree and insist that electrochemical relay are unbeatable. If you are someone who often gets confused within these two options then you are not alone! To provide you with more clarity, we will discuss them both and help you figure out what suits you best, and also compare their performance.

 

What do you mean by a relay ?

 

In layman's term, a relay is a power switching solution which can be used to distribute power without manually closing and opening the switch. To on or off any power switch, a relay simply requires a small electrical signal. It metaphorically acts as a “gatekeeper” for a much larger electrical signal. It provides you with the option of having low-power control over a high-power signal is what had made relays so significant throughout the history of electronics.

Both relays and solid-state relays, they can be used for applications in heating, motion control, lighting, amongst others. Although, solid state relays are considered slightly better to electromechanical amongst all the comparative categories.

Contactors and Relays perform the same task of switching a circuit. If you see from the application point of view, you would have seen contactors placed in control panels of industrial motors or other heavy loads.  Whereas, relays are used in low voltage applications such as switching a LED or tube-light or even actuating a circuit breaker .

Electrochemical or Electric relays

They are relatively old technology that prefer using a simple mechanical design approach. On the other hand, solid state relays are new and refined technology, but a little complex. Now one might say that working with something complex is not considered ideal than working with something that is comparatively simpler and does the same task. However, more complex SSR might just help you win when talking about the performance.

Now let us talk about the advantages that come along with solid state relay over electrochemical relay.

With solid state relays you get a large, hefty and very intimidating price tag when you compare it to an electric relays. Although combining an SSR rather than an EMR may result in an equal or slightly lower holistic cost depending on the applications. In addition to that, SSR more often than not outdo EMRS in an array of areas. Let’s compare the two:

 

Solid State Relays

Electromechanical Relays

Electrical Noise

  • Pushes zero voltage turn on and zero current turn offs.
  • Does not generate a lot of minimal electrical disturbance.
  • It can easily generate significant signal noise as a result of mechanical system.

Power Consumption

  • It has low power consumption.
  • Does not require a lot of power for switching lights.
  • It is considered ideal if you want to create more sustainable and energy- efficient solutions.
  • Power consumption is one of the primary functions of switching voltage and the internal resistance of the material that is used in making of the switch.
  • It also requires more input power to operate.

Shock and Vibration

  • Resistant to shock and vibration
  • It is susceptible to unreliable operation, while being surrounded by a demanding environment. 
  • Their mechanical equipment is a subject to external forces which might lead to unreliable and erratic operation.

Conclusion

These were some of the differences between a relay and solid state relay, and we hope that this article will act as your guide and help you make a better decision, if and when you head out to buy any of the two. Moreover, to get more clarity, you can even head to #SchneiderElectric for more information about the two. They have an array of products and ace each one of them, plus they have plethora of information, so if you have any questions, you can go through their website for more.


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Fri August 07, 2020 04:11 AM

Distance Relay is like the same electric relay ? Can you please write atopic overload relay and contactor relay.