How do you use a relay on a PLC?
3:198:01Why we use Relay in PLC Applications - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe should select the relay in a way that it will match the specifications. And power ratings of theMoreWe should select the relay in a way that it will match the specifications. And power ratings of the load. As well as the control voltage we are going to apply to his coil.
What is the purpose of using relays?
Relays are generally used to switch smaller currents in a control circuit and do not usually control power consuming devices except for small motors and Solenoids that draw low amps.
What are relay PLCs?
On the logic module market, the PLC logic relay system is the first to combine logic, interface, and field connection levels in a single solution. This means that you can switch and control I/O signals using a single compact system.
Why relays are used in automation?
The main reason for using relays is so that separate circuits, often operating at higher voltages and currents, can be switched on and off by much lower power control circuits, such as the digital outputs (DOs) of a programmable logic controller (PLC).
What are the four functions of a relay?
As a control element, relays have the following functions: Expanding control range. ... Amplification. ... Integrated signal. ... Automatic control, remote control, and monitoring.
What are the 2 basic types of relays?
Types of Relays - A Thomas Buying GuideRelays are electrically operated switches. ... Electromechanical relays have an electromagnetic coil and a mechanical movable contact. ... Solid-state relays are solid-state electronic components that do not have any moving components, which increases their long-term reliability.More items...
What is the difference between relays & PLCs?
Relays are electro-mechanical switches that have coil and two types of contacts that is NO & NC. But a Programmable Logic Controller, PLC is a mini computer which can take decision based on the programme and its input & output. Thus a PLC can perform many functions with the same hard wiring.
What is PLC relay?
The PLC Link Relay is a high-switching-capacity interface between automation equipment and system peripherals. By just replacing the relay and leav...
What is difference between relay and PLC?
A PLC differs from relay logic in that it is a programmable device, whereas relay logic is a network of hardwired electrical components. A PLC and...
What is the introduction of PLC?
PLC stands for programmable logic controller, and it is a type of computer that is used to operate machines and processes. Hard wiring associated w...
What is PLC and how it works?
A PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER (PLC) is an industrial computer control system that continually monitors the status of input devices and controls t...
Why is relay used in PLC?
Relays are used to separate different voltage levels. While the PLC controls the relay, it is used to energise the starter, which then switches the...
Why are relays important?
Relays can unburden safety PLCs of alarm and response tasks, which is helpful where programming even modest design changes is a hass le. In fact, smart relays can be more suitable than certain controls on otherwise simple designs needing safety functions — for example, where safety PLCs are prohibitively expensive.
What is relay control?
Relays are an enduring technology that is simple and efficient — and relay-based control excels at satisfying very specific design requirements. Oftentimes plant personnel and end users are familiar with or prefer their inclusion, and most industrial technicians can install them without issue.
What are the design objectives of a control panel?
Top design objectives for control installations include capability, reliability, and cost effectiveness . Many new and retrofitted control panels employ components such as PLCs and even industrial PCs (IPCs) and programmable automation controllers (PACs) for advanced connectivity and control. It’s often appropriate to use these more complicated (and capable) options and remove or forgo electromechanical relays in the system. In other cases, machines that have simple architectures, fixed functions, or specialty requirements may derive benefit from connectivity and control primarily based on electromechanical relays and SSRs.
Why are PLCs so cost effective?
That’s in large part because the cost of installation for the latter and the efforts of a technician required to hardwire relay-based systems.
What is a protective relay?
In fact, several protective relays on the market today include data-processing power as well as advanced communications. These and other smart relays can include EtherNet/IP, CANopen, PROFIBUS, and other protocol communications for the transmission of data about relay-monitored devices.
Do relays and PLCs need to be electromagnetic?
Of course, relays and PLCs used together must have electromagnetic compatibility. Still other designs use SSRs or PLC digital output on points needing high-frequency switching because solid-state devices (with their theoretically infinite number of cycles) extend machine life in these situations.
Why use a relay?
Benefits. Even when an application doesn’t specifically require a relay, using one can prove beneficial. Relays can reduce the need for high-amperage wiring and switches, which are expensive and take up space. Therefore, switching to relays in your electronic systems can reduce the size or weight of a casing, for instance, ...
What is the purpose of a relay?
By leveraging weak inputs to power stronger currents, relays effectively act as either a switch or an amplifier for the electric circuit, depending on the desired application.
What is an automotive relay?
Automotive Relays. Relays have almost unlimited uses in automotive applications, and these applications encompass many of the relay types discussed. Many automotive relays allow manufacturers to implement advanced safety features and modern electrical conveniences.
What is relay circuit?
Relays are highly versatile components that are just as effective in complex circuits as in simple ones. They can be used in the place of other forms of switches, or they can be specifically designed based on factors such as required amperage.
What is time delay relay?
Time-delay relays are useful in any situation that requires components to be powered for a set length of time, or when the component must power on or off after a specific delay. These relays have time-delay functionality built in, making them desirable for a range of time-based applications.
What is an open relay?
In a normally open relay, power flows through an input circuit, activating an electromagnet. This generates a magnetic field that attracts a contact to join with the second, larger circuit, allowing current to flow through.
Why is it important to convert a small electrical input into a high current output?
Converting a small electrical input into a high-current output is no easy feat, but this task is necessary to efficiently operate a wide range of standard appliances and vehicles. Many circuits achieve these conversions through the use of relays, which are indispensable in all kinds of electronic equipment.
What is the function of a PLC relay?
1. Reliability . The internal relay systems of a PLC are solid state. This means that the relay function is not mechanical like conventional relay systems and components. Traditional mechanical relays wear out much faster than the electronics in a solid state relay. Every time a mechanical relay opens and closes, the contacts will arc slightly.
What are the advantages of a PLC over a relay?
One of the best features that a PLC system has over a traditional relay system is versatility with the programming and easy expandability. For example, if you wanted to add a timer to make a motor turn on after five seconds, you would just add it to the program and set it to five seconds in the PLC. For a relay system, you would have ...
How many wires does a relay need?
This makes finding problems much harder. Each physical relay needs a minimum of four wires to operate and function. A relay output card on a PLC sends out one wire to the output device.
Why do relays wear out?
This can also cause higher costs to install and upgrade due to extra labor costs.
What are the advantages of a PLC?
Ease of Troubleshooting. Another advantage of a PLC system is the ease of troubleshooting. In a PLC system, a good technician can read through the programming and usually figure out what is and isn’t working. In a relay system, there will be several more wires plus the relays and possibly other components that aren’t needed in a PLC.
Is a PLC cabinet bigger than a relay?
Depending on the machine, a cabinet containing the PLC can easily be a third of the size of a relay logic cabinet. Possibly even smaller. Let’s look back at what we now know. PLCs are much more reliable and are way easier to troubleshoot. The mechanical functions of relays simply wear out over time.
Why is PLC easier to maintain?
PLC requires less time, less wiring. PLC is easy to maintain. There will not be much physical work. PLC has more advanced functions as compared to manual work (hardware relay-base). These are the main reasons, why the industries are shifting to use PLCs over the relay.
What is relay switch?
A relay is an electro-mechanical operator switch. In the earlier days, different types of relays are used for the electric protection/controlling system. It is a hardware switching device to control the electrical circuit by using switching logic.
What is relay in PLC?
Sometimes relays are used as an interface between the PLC inputs/outputs and the field devices. This adds a layer of protection for the PLC or is a means of changing voltage levels or controlling a big load with a small current.
What is the function of a PLC?
PLCs: . . PLCs perform the same function as relays, but can do so much more. They can be put to great use when old relay panels need to be modernized, or when new systems need an elegant means of control.
What is remote control?
Remote control: Basically turning things on and off from a distance. Relays can certainly be used for this, but that requires a lot of wiring. With a PLC system, we can run a pair of fiber optics out to the test stand and control hundreds of circuits remotely.
Can a PLC controller be used as a stand alone controller?
On a PLC system, you can have analog sensors connected directly to the PLC, which will provide the signal conditioning, calibration and scaling. The PLC also can implement a PID controller in software which provides all the capabilities of a stand alone PID controller device at a fraction of the cost.
Can you use a PLC in place of a relay?
The short answer is yes, you can use PLC in place of relays. But PLCs have a lot more functions that just use like relay contacts, though they were first made to replace relays. The ladder logic that is used to program the PLC made in form of traditional ladder logic using NO/NC contact of I/Os.
Can PLCs be connected to SCADA?
Each electrical device (input or output signal) is wired its own terminal point. . And PLCs can be networked into a SCADA system so that an operator can use a computer or touch screen to easily see what's going on with the process or to observe historical trending saved to a database.
Can a relay be used without a PLC?
They can be put to great use when old relay panels need to be modernized, or when new systems need an elegant means of control. If the electrical control system has only a few inputs and outputs and the logic requirements are simple ON/OFF control, then relays can do the job just fine without a PLC.

What Is A Relay?
Why Use A Relay?
- Relays are highly versatile components that are just as effective in complex circuits as in simple ones. They can be used in the place of other forms of switches, or they can be specifically designed based on factors such as required amperage.
Switching Level of Current
- One of the most common situations that require the use of a relay occurs when an application needs to switch from high to low current (or vice versa) within the same circuit. For example, the temperature sensors that power HVAC units require levels of amperage that vastly exceed the capacity of their wiring. Relays provide the necessary amplification to convert a small current int…
Complex Applications
- Relays are not limited to transforming single inputs into single outputs at single points in the circuit. In other applications, a single relay can activate multiple circuits, allowing one input to initiate many other effects. Similarly, relays can be used in combination with one another to perform Boolean logic functions that, while possible to en...
Benefits
- Even when an application doesn’t specifically require a relay, using one can prove beneficial. Relays can reduce the need for high-amperage wiring and switches, which are expensive and take up space. Therefore, switching to relays in your electronic systems can reduce the size or weight of a casing, for instance, or allow manufacturers to fit more functionality into a space of the sam…
How Does A Relay Work?
- Relays differ in their size, capacity, and corresponding uses. However, although they may differ in these respects, all relays function in essentially the same way: one circuit is used to power another. The specific manner in which this occurs depends on whether the relay is normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC).
How to Identify A Faulty Relay
- Though generally reliable, relays can fail like any mechanical component. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to identify a faulty relay using a multimeter. To do so, you must first locate where the circuits enter and exit the relay, an area typically marked by pins. After identifying this location, you can use the multimeter to measure the voltage at each point. Use the following troubleshooting step…
Types of Relays
- Many types of relays exist, each bringing unique functions to a variety of applications. Some of the broader categories include:
Where to Find Your Next Relay
- Because relays are an integral part of circuit design, it’s essential to source high-quality relays of the type and size necessary for your application. Amperite offers a wide range of relays and other electronic components designed to help you save time, money, and energy. We also specialize in manufacturing custom products to address your individual concerns. If you would like to learn …