On Topic: Relay Contact Rating

I would definitely not assume that. The power heating the contacts is dependent on the current through them. The switching depends on the type of load.

No they are still 10 amp contacts at any votage. 250 volts AC is the maximum voltatage they are rated for. If you use the relay on DC the rating of the current must be greatly reduced for most relays due to the arcing especially if an inductive load is used.

Your answer may be found in the 1st section here:

Reality tells me the answer is 'No'.

Ok, So I got it in my brain now!!

Thanks for the input!!

I can now sleep again!! :-)

Les

Very wrong information.

And these idiots sell relays?

Ok bud,

So, for educational purposes only: Please explain!!

Thanks!!

In general: A relay will have a maximum voltage rating. That is based on arcing when the contacts open.

A relay will also have a maximum current rating. That is based on how heavy the contacts are and design factors.

The maximum ratings may not be exceeded, such as higher current at lower voltage, unless the manufacturer says they can.

"They" say the important rating is Watts. "Their" example: "For instance, a 5 Amp relay rated at 125VAC can also switch 2.5 Amps at

And: "Similarly, a 5 Amp relay rated at 24VDC can switch 2.5 Amps at 48VDC, or even 10 Amps at 12VDC." "They" say all 3 are 120 Watts so it ok. "They" are dumber than dog s*it. And arcing can be a bigger problem with DC - the increased voltage is even dumber.

Or how about:

Those are errors beyond stupid. But there is more:

How about resistive loads? "A resistive load is a device that stays electrically quiet when powered up, such as an incandescent light bulb." An incadescent light bulb, in fact, has an inrush current of about 6x the bulb rating. That is one reason why some circuit breakers have a SWD rating.

And inductive loads? "Inductive loads typically require 2-3 times the runtime voltage or amperage when power is first applied to the device. For instance, a motor rate at 5 Amps, 125 VAC will often require 10-15 amps just to get the shaft of the motor in motion." "2-3 times the runtime voltage"? - how do you increase the voltage the motor connects to? "2-3 times the runtime amperage"? more like 6x but they are getting there. Relays switching motors may have to have a "horsepower" rating - not mentioned

And: "Controlling inductive loads requires the use of induction suppression capacitors." Opening contacts on a motor (inductor) produces more arcing as the magnetic field collapses and increases the voltage. That is another reason to use horsepower rated relays. I have never seen a suppression capacitor on a power circuit.