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From: mcovingt@athena.cs.uga.edu (Michael A. Covington)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: What are some typical characteristics of mechanical relays?
Message-ID: <1991Mar31.224306.17508@athena.cs.uga.edu>
Date: 31 Mar 91 22:43:06 GMT
References: <2640@sun13.scri.fsu.edu>
Organization: University of Georgia, Athens
Lines: 16

A nice way to measure relay switching time is to hook the relay up as a
buzzer, i.e., use a normally closed pair of contacts in series with the coil,
and apply power. It will switch itself on and off at a particular frequency
(typically 500 Hz), which gives you a measure of the switching time.
You can also see how switching time varies with voltage.

Most relays will work at considerably less than their rated voltage.

Also, the voltage necessary to hold the relay in the energized position
is less than the voltage needed to pull in the contacts from the
un-energized position.
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Michael A. Covington | Artificial Intelligence Programs
The University of Georgia  |  Athens, GA 30602   U.S.A.
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