A relay installed inside a climate-controlled cabinet has a relatively comfortable life. A relay mounted in an aircraft, offshore system, military platform or exposed industrial installation faces a very different set of challenges. Humidity can vary rapidly. Temperatures may move between extremes. Salt, chemicals or dust can surround the equipment. Mechanical shock and vibration may...Read More

Relays often appear simple on an electrical schematic. A coil sits on one side, contacts sit on the other and an electrical signal causes the contacts to move. In real equipment, however, maintaining predictable switching behavior for years can be difficult when the relay is exposed to moisture, contaminants, vibration, temperature cycling or pressure changes....Read More

In electrical and electronic systems where reliability cannot be compromised, the relay is often a deceptively critical component. A relay may perform a simple function—opening or closing an electrical circuit—but its operating environment can make that task considerably more difficult. Moisture, corrosive gases, dust, pressure changes, temperature extremes and mechanical vibration can all affect switching...Read More