What Is a Relay Socket?
In electric circuits, a relay is an electrical component that uses an ON/OFF control signal to switch the output to or from an input signal.
A relay socket is a component mounted on a printed circuit board or built into a control panel, allowing for the relatively easy installation or removal of the relay itself.
Installation can be done by simply inserting the terminals from the relay body into the holes provided on the relay socket side or by securing them with a lever attached to the relay socket after insertion.
Uses of Relay Sockets
When relay sockets are placed on printed circuit boards or control panels, the footprint (the area occupied by the relay sockets on the board) is basically the same size as the relay itself, so there are few problems in terms of mounting area.
However, in the height direction, the relay sockets will certainly be taller than the relay directly mounted on the board.
Therefore, it is necessary to verify in advance using 3D structural drawings or by temporarily placing the relay and relay sockets in the actual position to ensure that there is no interference with other components in the structure of the product or other equipment to which it is to be mounted.
Principles of Relay Sockets
Relays and relay sockets are used in circuits that handle large currents, sometimes several amperes.
Therefore, the construction of relays and relay sockets is designed to provide sufficient insulation distance between the coil and the contacts, ensuring safety measures are taken to reinforce insulation.
The purpose of safety standards is to avoid problems that could result in electric shock to the user or, in the worst case, fire, depending on the operating environment (temperature, humidity, power supply conditions, etc.) and characteristics of the product when the equipment is used.
The IEC is the global technical standard that serves as the basis for safety standards. These standards have been developed by referring to the IEC standards and adding or modifying them as individual standards according to the circumstances of each country.
In Japan, the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law is based on the JIS standard, while in the US, the well-known UL standard is based on the ANSI standard. In Canada, the CSA standard, and in Europe, the EN standard are also well known.