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Relay contact arc suppression

From: Sandor Ajzenstat   sandorinterlog.com
Date: Wed, 18 Aug 2004 18:29:25 -0700

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Hi Everyone,

The relays I would like to use have contacts rated for 24volts 1amp.  I'm
going to use them to switch on and off a 24 volt solenoid.  I would like to
put in place some arc suppression circuitry, to reduce arcing when the relay
switches off.  I just want to prolong the life of the relay in this
application.  I've checked on the internet and found a number of good sites,
however they mostly have complex formulas I don't understand for determining
component values.  I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with arc
suppression circuitry and could maybe recommend something.

>From looking on the net I understand there are numerous techniques.  One way
I say is to put two diodes in series across the relay contacts connections,
a normal reverse biased diode and a zener forward biased diode.  The other
way is a resistor in series with a cap.  In one example not too different
from my scenario they were saying to use a 2 ohm resistor in series with a
1uF cap, again placed across the relay contacts.  A third way, once
recommended by Norm, was to use a certain neon bulb, but I neglected to
write down any specs for such a bulb. Has anyone had experience with any of
these techniques, and if so, what would you recommend.

Thanks,
Sandor




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