Magnetic Power Relays Application Note

Relay Control Panel Applications

Background
Honeywell has manufactured a line of general- Figure 1: DIN-rail socket
purpose magnetic power relays for over 15 years.
They are intended for use in variety of applications,
environments and industries. Several options are
available along with a variety of package styles and
configurations to meet a large range of application
requirements. Honeywell relays have a record of
reliable operation; they are backed by a worldwide
network of service and sales professionals.
Figure 2: Holding Clip
Control Panel Application
Most programmable logic controller (PLC) output
cards have low output power capabilities. To
overcome this characteristic relays are used to
switch larger loads. For this reason it is common to
find relays being used with PLC outputs to control
machine field devices. An example of this situation
is when the output signal from the control device, is
not large enough to activate a local device, such as, Figure 3: Relay Panel
a solenoid. The relay acts as an intermediary
device that is used to mechanically switch a voltage
or current that is larger than can be output from the
controller’s output card. Relays are also used on
the input side of a PLC when the signal from the
field device cannot be directly used as an input to
the PLC. In this situation, the relay coil is controlled
by the field device and is used to switch signal level
voltages to the input card. Relays are also used to
isolate circuits and protect against electronic noise.

Other application examples include heaters,

blowers, solenoid valves used to drive Figure 4: Control Cabinet
pneumatic/hydraulic cylinders, motorized actuators
used in compressors, etc.

Control Panel Mounting

The most common method for mounting relays in
a control panel cabinet is to clip a DIN mountable
relay socket (refer to figure 1) to a steel DIN-rail. In
applications where the cabinet will be subject to
vibration a relay holding clip can be used to prevent
the relay from vibrating out of the socket (refer to
figure 2). The use of sockets and DIN-rails greatly
simplifies and eases the installation process.
Sockets also allow relays to be easily replaced
when necessary. Refer to figures 3 and 4 for
examples of relay mounting, wiring and control
panel layout.

Control Products
 Relay Control Panel Applications Application Note

Solenoid Wiring Example

The schematic in figure 5 illustrates the wiring of a
power relay in a typical control panel application.
In this application, a relay is installed inside an
auxiliary cabinet where the signal from a DCS
output card is used to energize the relay coil.
When the coil is energized, the circuit providing
power to the solenoid is completed and the
solenoid valve is opened.

Figure 5: Control Panel Solenoid Wiring Example

Simplified Example Circuitry

Figure 6 shows a simplified wiring diagram for a
DPDT throw relay.

Figure 6: Simplified Example Circuitry (MY Series)

Double Pole Double Throw Relay Double Pole Double Throw Relay
Coil Deenergized Coil Energized

4 4
12 12
+ + 8
8

1 1
9 9
+ + 5
5

Coil Coil

13 14 13 14
Vdc Vdc

2 Honeywell • Control Products

Relay Control Panel Applications Application Note

Elevator Application #1
In this application, approximately 170 relays were
installed in a rooftop control panel (refer to figures Figure 8: Elevator Control Panel
7 and 8). The relay models used were SZR-MY4-
1 and SZR-MY4-N1. The relays chosen for this
application used several coil voltages (62.5 Vdc,
100 Vdc, 125 Vdc). The socket used was an
SZX-SMB-14P. The relays receive their signals
from a variety of local devices such as a door
switch, floor position-detecting sensor, operator
interface buttons, etc. Many of the relays are
used to control logic and to do calculations and
decision-making; others are used to switch output
signals to motor actuators, lighting devices, fans
etc. Elevator design technology has advanced
since the control panels shown in figures 7 and 8
were manufactured, however a large number of
these elevators are still in operation and
replacement relays are still manufactured and
available.
Figure 7: Elevator Control Panel

Honeywell • Control Products 3

 Relay Control Panel Applications Application Note

Elevator Application #2 The relays in Figure 10 are being used for fire
Relays are still used in the control panels of mode operation. Figure 11 shows the elevator
current elevator designs. However, they typically control cabinet. The relays in figure 12 are used
are not used for logic control or calculation to control the elevator’s car ventilation fan,
functions. The relays in figures 9,10, 11 and 12 lighting, and motor cooling fan.
show how Honeywell relays are used in a newer
elevator designs. The relays shown in figure 9 are
used to control the elevator floor and door
signals.

Figure 9: Elevator Relay Use Figure 11: Control Cabinet

Figure 10: Elevator Relay Use

Figure 12: Elevator Relay Use

4 Honeywell • Control Products

Relay Control Panel Applications Application Note

Temperature and Humidity Chamber Figure14 shows an example of relays being used
Application with magnetic contactors.
PLCs and relays combine to control a number of
functions within a Humidity control chamber Figure 14: Bank of Relays and Contactors
(figures 13 –16). Output signals are sent from the
chamber’s dedicated proportional integral
derivative (PID) controller to the relay coils. The
relay contacts are wired as switches to control
magnetic contactors, solenoid valves and a
buzzer.
Figure 13 shows a small bank of relays behind a
side service door.

Figure 13: Humidity Chamber Service Door

Figure 15 shows an example of LED relays used

with a timer relay.

Figure 15: LED Relays

Honeywell • Control Products 5

 Relay Control Panel Applications Application Note

Figure 16 shows a portion of the Humidity Controller’s wiring diagram.

Figure 16: Humidity Chamber Wiring Diagram

WARNING WARNING
MISUSE OF DOCUMENTATION PERSONAL INJURY
The information presented in this product sheet is DO NOT USE these products as safety or
for reference only. Do not use this document as emergency stop devices or in any other
product installation information. application where failure of the product could
Failure to comply with these instructions could result in personal injury.
result in death or serious injury. Failure to comply with these instructions
could result in death or serious injury.

WARRANTY/REMEDY
Honeywell warrants goods of its manufacture as being free For application assistance, current specifications, or name
of defective materials and faulty workmanship. Contact your of the nearest Authorized Distributor, contact a nearby sales
local sales office for warranty information. If warranted goods office. Or call:
are returned to Honeywell during the period of coverage, 1-800-537-6945 USA
Honeywell will repair or replace without charge those items it 1-800-737-3360 Canada
finds defective. The foregoing is Buyer’s sole remedy and is in 1-815-235-6847 International
lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, +(33) (0) 1 60 19 80 40 France
including those of merchantability and fitness for a +(49) (0) 69 8064 444 Germany
particular purpose. +(44) (0) 1698 481481 United Kingdom
Specifications may change without notice. The information +(822) 799-6167 Korea/Asia Pacific
we supply is believed to be accurate and reliable as of this +(39) 02 92146 450/456 Italy
printing. However, we assume no responsibility for its use. FAX
While we provide application assistance personally, through 1-815-235-6545 USA
our literature and the Honeywell web site, it is up to the (822)-792-9013 Korea
customer to determine the suitability of the product in the INTERNET
application. www.honeywell.com/sensing
info.sc@honeywell.com

Control Products
Honeywell
11 West Spring Street
Freeport, Illinois 61032
Printed with Soy Ink www.honeywell.com/sensing
on 50% Recycled Paper
008067-1-EN IL50 GL O 302 Printed in USA  Honeywell 2002, All Rights Reserved