Plug-In Relays

Designed to be mounted on standardized sockets, plug-in relays offer exceptional installation flexibility while guaranteeing complete galvanic isolation between the control circuit and the power circuit. Their operating principle is based on an electromechanical system where a coil generates a magnetic field that actuates contacts, thus enabling the control of significant electrical loads with a low-power signal.

Quick Installation and Simplified Maintenance

One of the main advantages of pin relays lies in their quick installation and simplified replacement capability. Unlike direct-wired relays, the pin system allows installation by simply plugging into the relay socket, without requiring individual conductor connections. This modular design significantly facilitates maintenance operations: in case of failure, the technician can replace the socket relay in a few seconds without disconnecting the wiring system. This feature proves particularly valuable in electrical enclosure applications where minimizing downtime represents a major economic issue for all industrial sectors.

Available Configurations and Ranges

Plug-in relays come in several configurations to meet varied industrial application needs. Models with 1, 2, and 4 poles offer contact capacity of 250V with rated currents reaching 12A power, while miniature relays provide compact solutions for applications where electrical enclosure space is limited. The Harmony Relay range from Schneider Electric, widely referenced on our site, notably includes the RXM, RXG, and RSB series, each presenting technical specifications adapted to different contexts. The RXM miniature power relays stand out for their versatility and high switching capacity, while the RXG series compact relays often integrate an LED indicator and test button to facilitate diagnostics. These relay product references are compatible with DIN rail mounting and offer modular sockets according to control circuit requirements.

Technical Selection Criteria

Supply Voltage and Contact Type

The selection of a plug-in relay must consider several essential technical criteria to guarantee optimal industrial use!

• Supply voltage constitutes the first parameter to consider: available models cover a wide range, from AC supply (24VAC, 48VAC, 230VAC) to DC supply (12VDC, 24VDC, 48VDC, 110VDC).
• Contact type also represents a determining element: NO NC contacts (normally open or normally closed) adapt to different control logics, while changeover contact relays offer increased flexibility for complex electrical applications.
• Switching capacity, expressed in amperes, must be sized according to the loads to be controlled, with particular attention paid to inrush currents of inductive equipment and overcurrent protection.

Integrated Performance and Features

Modern electromechanical relays frequently integrate complementary features improving their operation in the control circuit. With a 25 ms switching time and typical 0.9 W consumption, these components guarantee reactivity and energy efficiency.

The LED indicator, present on many references, allows immediate visualization of the socket relay state, thus facilitating diagnostic and commissioning operations. Certain models feature a lockable test button that authorizes manual verification of proper operation without energizing the coil.

Protection modules, such as RC circuits or varistors, can be associated with relays to prevent overvoltages and extend contact life in inductive load switching applications, thus ensuring effective overcurrent protection.

Installation and Integration in Enclosures

Mounting Solutions and Connection

Mounting on support constitutes a practical aspect that should not be overlooked in the design of industrial distribution panels. Plug-in relays are generally compatible with DIN rail mounting according to the standard DIN module, widely used in industry.

The relay socket can be equipped with screw terminals for reliable traditional connection, or spring terminals to further accelerate wiring operations by eliminating the use of screwdrivers. This wiring system flexibility adapts to each installer's preferences and the specific constraints of each project.

The transparent protection equipping certain models offers visibility of the contacts while ensuring IP10 protection against accidental direct contact, thus reinforcing safety during maintenance interventions.

Compatibility and Accessories

For optimized electrical enclosure use, plug-in relays can be complemented by various accessories: retaining clips, connection combs to supply multiple sockets, protection modules, and even timer relays for applications requiring precise time control. This modularity allows creating custom solutions adapted to each specific relay application, whether simple control or complex automation. The general mains relay thus finds its place in varied architectures, from simple motor starting to multi-stage automation sequences.

Industrial Applications and Usage Sectors

In complex automation projects, plug-in relays integrate perfectly into distributed control architectures. Their 25 ms switching time guarantees sufficient reactivity for most industrial applications, while their 0.9 W consumption limits heating in densely equipped electrical panels.

Industrial sectors such as material handling, water treatment, food processing, petrochemicals, or manufacturing industry widely use these components for their reliability and ease of integration. Whether for switching resistive, inductive, or capacitive loads, the modern compact relay offers performance adapted to contemporary industrial automation requirements.

Plug-in relays also find their utility in specific electrical applications requiring galvanic isolation, secure remote control, or multiplication of controlled circuits. From simple interface relays to miniature power relays capable of switching significant loads, the diversity of available references allows meeting each technical need with precision.

Your Partner for Industrial Equipment

Find on One-Elec our complete catalog of plug-in relays, with references immediately available in stock for fast delivery within 24/48h in mainland France. Our range covers all industrial needs, from compact interface relays to miniature power relays up to 12A, including modular sockets and wiring accessories. Whether you are looking for electromechanical relays for standard control applications, 1, 2, and 4-pole relays for multipole circuits, or specific solutions for demanding environments, you will find with us products adapted to your technical and budgetary constraints.