HOW TO SELECT A RELAY / CONTACTOR - QUICK PICK

Just answer these simple questions and you are on your way to selecting the most rugged and reliable relay in the industry. If you have any questions, contact one of the experts at GIGAVAC or visit How to Select a Relay/Contactor - Detail

• WILL THE RELAY/CONTACTOR JUST BE CARRYING THE LOAD?

  • Yes, the relay/contactor will never switch (make or break) the load.

  • Is the load just DC or below 2000 Hz?

  • Yes, you can use any of the relays/contactors we make. However, the relays/contactors that do not show a rating for hot switching will generally have lower contact resistance (see discussion on contact materials), which may be important to your application. View selection. Use your browser back button to return to this screen.

  • No, your load must be RF so you will most likely use one of our vacuum relays. View selection. Use your browser back button to return to this screen.

  • No, the relay/contactor will switch the load.

    • Will the relay/contactor contacts only “make” the load?

    • Yes, you are probably charging or discharging a capacitor. You may be able to use any of our relays/contactors rated for hot switching. However, relays/contactors rated for make only will generally be better for your application because they are gas filled with SF6 and can generally handle more inrush current. Also, SF6 gas is a better insulator than vacuum over periods of non-operation (see discussion under SF6 filled relays). View selection. Use your browser back button to return to this screen. We recommend you contact one of the expert’s at GIGAVAC free of charge before making your final selection.

    • No, the relays/contactors for your application will make and break the load or will just break the load. You are probably turning on and off a low current load or are interrupting a load in case of emergency. You will probably use one of our vacuum relays because of their ability to interrupt current, but there are some exceptions. View selection. Use your browser back button to return to this screen. We recommend you contact one of the expert’s at GIGAVAC free of charge before making your final selection.

01/07/11