The 23 best electrical relays brands
GE, Schneider Electric and Dayton lead our ranking of 23 electrical relays brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Electrical Relays brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
GE
GE Lighting has been leading the lighting technology industry for over 130 years. Its mission is to provide customers with a first-class smart home experience. To do so, it has created novel lighting products designed to improve one's lifestyle and the overall ambiance of the house, no matter the setting. It values innovation and reliability, which has propelled it to reach the levels of fame it has today.
Website: gelighting.com |Brands like GE
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Schneider Electric
Zelio and Telemecanique-line relays in RXM, plug-in and solid state formats, from compact control to industrial power switching.
Top products: RXM4AB1JD· SSP1D440BDT· CAD32GD
Brands like Schneider Electric
Popularity 9.0/10
-
3
Dayton
Grainger's own budget-friendly line, with power relays, coils and timing relays suited to motor and HVAC control.
Website: dayton-phoenix.com |Brands like Dayton
Popularity 5.7/10
-
4
Fuji
Heavy-duty power relays and contactor-style switches for industrial panels and plant equipment.
Popularity 5.4/10
-
5
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi has an industrial arm that builds servo motors and shafts for machinery. Its products span servo motors, shafts, car parts and diesel fuel system components.
Website: mitsubishielectric.com |Brands like Mitsubishi
Popularity 5.2/10
-
6
NEC
Automotive twin SPDT relays for reversing motors, rated around 35A and 25A on 12VDC coils.
Top products: EN2-1N1S
Website: necdisplay.com |Brands like NEC
Popularity 5.0/10
-
7
Omron
Plug-in G2R and MY relays, a common choice for PCB mounting and control cabinets.
Popularity 4.5/10
-
8
IDEC
UL-listed coil relays and sockets for factory machinery, with DC24 and 120VAC options.
Top products: RH2B-UL
Website: us.idec.com |Brands like IDEC
Popularity 2.9/10
-
9
ABB
Industrial automation relays and interface modules, such as CR-M series, for panel builders.
Popularity 2.8/10
-
10
Siemens
SIRIUS contactor-relay combinations and industrial control relays for machine panels.
Website: new.siemens.com |Brands like Siemens
Popularity 2.3/10
-
11
Finder
Miniature and industrial relays from Italy, with DIN-rail and PCB types for appliance boards.
Top products: 55.34.9.024.0040
Website: findertools.en.alibaba.com |Brands like Finder
Popularity 2.2/10
-
12
NTE
Replacement relays and electronic components for repair work, sold in a broad range of coil voltages.
Website: nteinc.com |Brands like NTE
Popularity 2.0/10
-
13
Eaton
Power management relays and contactors, including D2 series general purpose relays for industrial panels.
Popularity 1.7/10
-
14
Hongfa
Chinese-made PCB power relays and miniature signal types, widely sold for appliance and HVAC boards.
Popularity 1.7/10
-
15
Phoenix Contact
German industrial relays with plug-in bases and interface modules for automation and process control.
Website: phoenixcontact.com |Brands like Phoenix Contact
Popularity 1.6/10
-
16
Macromatic
Macromatic is a brand that creates power industry control and monitoring solutions. Buyers trust this brand because of its commitment to providing the most authentic monitoring solutions that aid in power control and managing power in faulty conditions. This brand...
Website: macromatic.com |Brands like Macromatic
Popularity 1.5/10
-
17
Crydom
Solid-state relays for heater and motor loads, with DIN-rail and panel-mount models.
Website: crydom.com |Brands like Crydom
Popularity 1.4/10
-
18
Westinghouse
Westinghouse has it all, from kitchen appliances to lighting. Power your house with their electronic equipment that fits your lifestyle. Take your home a step ahead towards modern living as you explore air purifiers, cookers, steamers, and fryers. Match your...
Website: westinghouse.com |Brands like Westinghouse
Popularity 1.3/10
-
19
Honeywell
Addressable relay modules for fire and building systems, such as V-Plex interface relay units.
Top products: 4101SN V-Plex
Website: honeywell.com |Brands like Honeywell
Popularity 1.3/10
-
20
-
21
Struthers-Dunn
American-made electromechanical relays, mostly general purpose and timing types for industrial users.
Website: struthers-dunn.com |Brands like Struthers-Dunn
Popularity 1.2/10
-
22
Carlo Gavazzi
Italian relays with solid-state, electromechanical and sensor lines for automation.
Popularity 1.2/10
-
23
ECG
ECG supplies electronic components, including transistors, semiconductors, integrated circuits and relays. Its components are used in household electronics and appliances that need reliable switching and signal control.
Popularity 1.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE | gelighting.com | /GELighting | gelighting | @GELighting | GELightingFuture |
| Dayton | dayton-phoenix.com | – | – | – | – |
| Mitsubishi | mitsubishielectric.com | /MitsubishiElectric | – | – | UCkDaGvT5PvALPg9sjhVEusA |
| NEC | necdisplay.com | – | – | – | – |
| IDEC | us.idec.com | /IDECUSA | – | @idecusa | – |
| Siemens | new.siemens.com | – | – | – | – |
Electrical Relays Buying Guide
If you are involved in the design or maintenance of electrical equipment, you are likely aware of the importance of electrical relays. These devices are crucial components of many circuits and are used to control the flow of electricity. However, with so many types of electrical relays available, choosing the right one for your application can be a daunting task. In this buying guide, we will provide an overview of the most common types of electrical relays and provide tips for choosing the right one for your project.
What are Electrical Relays?
An electrical relay is an electronic switch that is used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. The relay allows a smaller control signal to switch a larger load current, which can be used to turn equipment on or off. Relays are used in a wide range of applications, such as industrial machinery, automotive systems, and household appliances.
Relays are typically composed of three main components: a coil, contacts, and a spring. The coil is an electromagnetic device that controls the position of the contacts. When a voltage is applied to the coil, it generates a magnetic field that moves the contacts from their normal position to a new position. When the voltage is removed, the spring returns the contacts to their original position.
Types of Electrical Relays
There are several types of electrical relays, each with unique features and applications. Here are some of the most common types of electrical relays:
Electromechanical Relays (EMRs)
Electromechanical relays are the most commonly used type of relay. They are composed of a coil of wire that generates a magnetic field when a current flows through it. This magnetic field attracts a metal armature, which moves the relay’s contacts to open or close a circuit. Electromechanical relays are typically used in applications where high switching capacity or high reliability is required.
Solid-State Relays (SSRs)
Solid-state relays use semiconductors instead of mechanical components to switch circuits. They are composed of a control circuit (usually a small IC) and a power switch (usually a MOSFET, TRIAC, or IGBT). SSRs have no moving parts and are highly reliable. They also offer faster switching speeds and higher switching frequency than electromechanical relays. SSRs are often used in applications where low noise, long life, and high switching speed are required.
Reed Relays
Reed relays are a type of electromechanical relay that uses a small reed switch to control the circuit. Reed switches are composed of two thin metal strips that are sealed inside a glass envelope. When a magnetic field is applied, the metal strips move and touch each other to close the circuit. Reed relays are often used in applications where high reliability, low power consumption, and quick response are required.
Latching Relays
Latching relays are a type of relay that maintains its position after the power is switched off. They are composed of two coils that keep the relay in either an open or closed position. Latching relays are often used in applications where power consumption is critical or where the circuit needs to maintain its position even if the power fails.
Mercury Wetted Relays
Mercury wetted relays are composed of a mercury switch that is controlled by a coil. When a current flows through the coil, it generates a magnetic field that moves the mercury to close or open the circuit. Mercury wetted relays are highly reliable and have a long life, but they are also expensive and can be dangerous due to their use of mercury.
Overload Protection Relays
Overload protection relays are used to protect equipment from damage due to excessive current. They work by monitoring the current flow in a circuit and shutting off the power if the current exceeds the rated limit. Overload protection relays are often used in industrial equipment, such as motors and pumps.
How to Choose the Right Electrical Relay
Choosing the right electrical relay for your project can be challenging. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an electrical relay:
Current and Voltage Rating
The current and voltage rating of the relay is an essential factor to consider. The rated current and voltage should match the requirements of your application. If the current or voltage exceeds the rating of the relay, it could result in damage to the device or the equipment it is controlling.
Switching Speed
The switching speed of the relay refers to how quickly the relay can turn on or off the circuit. If your application requires fast switching, such as in high-frequency circuits, then a solid-state relay may be a better choice than an electromechanical relay.
Operating Temperature Range
The operating temperature range of the relay is also an essential factor to consider. Many relays have a specified temperature range in which they can operate correctly. If your application is in an environment that exceeds the specified temperature range, it could cause the relay to fail prematurely.
Environmental Factors
The environmental factors of your application can also affect the choice of relay. For example, if your application requires a relay to operate in a dirty or wet environment, then an electromechanical relay may not be the best choice due to its moving parts. A solid-state relay or a hermetically sealed reed relay may be a better option in this case.
Cost
The cost of the relay is also an essential factor to consider. Solid-state relays tend to be more expensive than electromechanical relays. However, they have a longer life, which may justify the increased cost in some applications. Pre-owned or remanufactured relays can be a cost-saving option, although it is essential to ensure that the relay meets the required specifications and is in good working order.
Conclusion
Electrical relays are essential components of many circuits, and choosing the right relay for your application is critical for proper functioning and longevity. By considering important factors such as the current and voltage rating, switching speed, operating temperature range, environmental factors, and cost, you can select the best relay for your needs. Whether you need an electromechanical relay, a solid-state relay, or another type of relay, careful consideration of your application’s requirements will help you make the right choice.
