Rating of the best programmable relays for 2022

The article will focus on the intelligent control of heating systems, greenhouses, lighting, ventilation and pumps. Their normal functioning depends on many factors, including directly on the state of the system used. For the normal operation of the system, it is necessary to introduce automated devices of this type, which at times increase not only the safety indicator, but also make the use of equipment more economical. Such aspects are important both in everyday life and in the industrial sector.

A programmable relay will help you solve problems related to automation and much more. The modern market is able to offer many solutions. A striking example is the manufacturer Schneider Electric, whose products are of German quality, which can solve most of the issues related to automation.

Principle of operation

An electromagnetic or programmable relay consists of contacts, an armature and a coil. Contacts will need a set, and their types can be used differently:

• several groups that are considered independent chains;
• two pairs of contacts (NO and NC);
• one pair of contacts is used.

The coil is designed for different current indicators, AC and DC, which allows you to choose a popular model for any circuit. In this case, an additional source to control the coil is not needed. Both variable and fixed indicators can be switched. Characteristics such as voltage and current are indicated on the product case. The power rating depends on several factors. According to buyers, the emphasis is on the functionality, design features, power of the products used. The arc chute is installed in powerful units, which allows the control of inductive and resistive loads. This applies to electric motors.

It should be noted that its work is based on the functioning of the magnetic field. At the moment when a current charge enters the coil, the lines of force begin to penetrate the core. For the manufacture of anchors, materials that are magnetic are used. This allows it to be attracted to the core of the coil.Also, wires (flexible) and a plate made of copper can be placed on the anchor. When energized, the armature will do its job, thereby transferring voltage through the copper bars to the contact, which will remain stationary. An armature attracted by a magnetic field will open or close the contacts. In the absence of voltage, the armature will return to its original position.

The most common mistakes when choosing a relay, the buyer makes due to the fact that there are other designs on the market. In some cases, the moving contact is driven by the armature, resulting in a switch from normal to active mode.

Advantages and disadvantages of the design

Advantages	Flaws
The index of contact resistance in the contacts is quite low.	When triggered, a characteristic click is heard.
Complete galvanic isolation is achieved by disconnecting the power circuit from the control circuit.	When disconnected, a cyclic rattling is observed. For the normal holding of the armature, the current is not enough, so it begins to open and close at great speed, which is accompanied by a buzz. Thus, the operational life of the product is significantly reduced, and the warranty does not cover this type of breakdown.
The possibility of carrying out repairs in the future. The audit is carried out every few months. Includes cleaning of contacts and replacement of the coil (if necessary). Also, if you have the appropriate skills, you can solder the contacts in the coil, which from time to time can come off the contacts (outgoing).	It will take only a few seconds for the electromagnetic device to respond (actuate).Semiconductor switches are switched hundreds of thousands of times within a second. Switching equipment must be selected correctly, according to the existing selection criteria.
The simplicity of the design used. It should be noted that the more parts used in the unit, the lower will be its reliability indicator.	Limited number of operations, like any semi-mechanical device. It is worth noting that this indicator is measured in millions of times, so the disadvantage is very doubtful.

The lower the resistance coefficient of the contacts used, the lower the voltage loss. This will make the heating of the electronic mechanism less significant.

You can solve the problem of chatter by configuring the system so that the analog signal passes through the threshold device. To do this, you need a Schmidt trigger, microcontroller or comparator.

Which is better to buy

The best models of programmable mechanisms are presented on the market by the world's best manufacturers. In order to choose a quality device, you need to familiarize yourself with the list of what they are and decide on its main tasks. Advice from experts should not be neglected, since there are many nuances in choosing such equipment. It is recommended to pay attention to the following aspects:

1. Possibility of remote control. Additional modules will be needed for expansion and pairing.
2. Ladder diagram is used to compose rows, which allows logical control for each state.
3. By means of a relay, current and operating voltage control is allowed.
4. Number of digital outputs and control groups.
5. Number of analog and digital inputs used for control.
6. The number of protocols, including those regarding security.

You should not ignore such indicators as temperature conditions, ease of installation, type of supply voltage, as well as the availability of manufacturer support and the duration of the warranty card.

On the Russian market you can find products:

• Canadian production;
• Italian production;
• Indonesian production;
• Spanish production;
• Danish production;
• German production;
• Belgian production;
• Russian production.

Rating of high-quality domestic devices

Novatek - Electro OM-163

Users are attracted not so much by the simplicity of the device as by the warranty that applies to it. It is used to regulate the power of the AC voltage indicator. Screw type connection with degree of protection IP10. Therefore, installation should not be carried out in dusty and damp rooms that are classified as unheated. The ingress of dust into the housing will lead to overheating of individual elements of the system. Able to work with a rated voltage of 450 V, while the nominal coefficient will be 63 A. Switching on occurs instantly - in a fraction of a second. Switching abilities also have high rates (on / off).

The price of the novelty is 2200 rubles.

• compactness;
• precise voltage regulation;
• practicality;
• operational period;
• price;
• durable body.

• low level of protection.

Zen V-2 series Omron

A compact programmable Chinese-made mechanism, which is installed on a DIN rail. Suitable for systems with increased functionality. The upcoming installation work is prescribed by the manufacturer in the relevant instructions.Based on the description, the design combines the functions of a timer, counter and relay. For convenience of programming the ZhK display is installed. When using the equipment in dimly lit rooms, the backlight of the display is useful.

Cost - 3500 rubles.

• compactness;
• accuracy;
• simplicity of the device;
• installing expansion modules.

• the model can only be ordered online, directly from the manufacturer's online store.

EKF Proxima PRO-Relay 10 I/O

A practical budget device that can greatly simplify the much-needed management of electrical equipment. This will automate most of the processes of the local type that occur within the system. It has found its application on large production lines, but it can also be used in domestic conditions. The display is wide enough and backlit. This allows adjustment in the absence of sufficient lighting in the room. Tracking your current status just got easier. For programming, a standard relay language is used. Can communicate with 260 units at the same time.

It can be installed in any type of premises, thanks to a high-quality housing, which has a low weight. However, for the normal functioning of the mechanism, you will need a high-quality switchboard. A convenient USB cable is used to carry out and configure current operations. There is no need to look for legacy interfaces.

How much does a set cost? About 4300 rubles.

• wide functionality;
• understandable programming language;
• convenient display;
• additional protection in the form of a password;
• high-quality fasteners;
• acceptable cost.

• not detected.

ARIES PR 110-24.8D.4R

It is applied both in country houses, and factory conditions. With it, you can equip a small automated system. Installation in protection systems is also allowed. Charging is carried out in the presence of 24 V, however, it is also possible to connect to a 220 V network. It was possible to simplify subsequent use by setting the timer, which is included in the kit. If necessary, you can set the time on the display. With the help of the device, it becomes possible to create several algorithms that will help eliminate the need for routine and regular intervention. It is mounted on a DIN rail, so it does not take up much space.

Price - 5150 rubles.

• installation on a real time clock;
• ease of use;
• compactness;
• various fields of application;
• operational period.

• not identified.

PR-114

A programmable mechanism of Russian production, which has support for analog signals used for local systems. The model provides several logical functions, such as comparative and arithmetic. The kit is very well formed, so the user can find a set of auxiliary triggers and counters that will be required during the installation process. There are also time delay blocks, signal conditioners and bit manipulations that you can create yourself using macros.

Is used for:

1. Heating.
2. ventilation.
3. Technological equipment.
4. Systems equipped with dispensers.
5. relay protection.
6. Access control.
7. pumping stations.

The average price for a set is 7000 rubles.

• operating temperature range (-20°C - +55°C);
• compact dimensions;
• installation on a DIN rail;
• Modbus-slave protocol allowing to work with RS485 network;
• debugging and creating a project is carried out without a unit;
• the presence of "owen-logic";
• clock showing real time;
• subspecies.

• not identified.

BAZIS-12

Reliable and inexpensive programmable device from one of the best domestic manufacturers. It is used to solve exclusively production-type problems. The popular model is capable of processing information from ten connected sensors. In the event of an emergency or unforeseen situation, an alert system will work. The safety of the installation is prescribed in a document referred to as "general explosion safety rules". Thus, it can be used in any systems that belong to the category of automatic protection.

Based on numerous reviews, the device is endowed with the following functionality:

1. Ability to control electrical systems.
2. Qualitative analysis of input signals.
3. Self-diagnosis.
4. Transmission and reception of signals transmitted by sensors.

However, this is not a complete list of possible functions. The list includes only the main features. This type of equipment can be used in many enterprises due to the high level of security and the ability to perform various processes. Where can you buy the unit? Only from the manufacturer, due to which the cost will be contractual (individual).

• notification system;
• designed for large enterprises;
• self-diagnosis function;
• wide functionality;
• elemental base, well thought out.

• the cost depends on the functionality of the ordered unit.

Rating of the best foreign programmable relays

Line from EASY

Easy-800

This series belongs to the category of advanced, whose functionality allows you to make everyday decisions more flexible. It makes it possible to solve almost any task related to both industrial and household automation. A feature of the power structure is that, if necessary, it can be supplemented with auxiliary modules that adapt to the communications used and contribute to the expansion of functions. Other series are equipped with a more standard list of features. Among the kit you can find:

1. Blocks for scaling values.
2. PID controllers.
3. Clock for setting real time.
4. analog comparators.
5. Impulse relays.
6. arithmetic blocks.
7. Memory (volatile).
8. Timers.
9. Counters.

In such a network, up to eight units can be connected at the same time, which makes the programmable relay series one of the most powerful on the European market. Allows you to solve complex problems.

• installation of expansion units is allowed;
• interface that allows simultaneous connection of up to eight devices;
• the series is equipped with a coil, four contacts and 256 program lines;
• eight transistor outputs for 24V DC/0.5 A or 8 A (six relay outputs);
• four analog inputs powered at 12V, 24V DC and 24V AC from 0-10 V;
• 12 digital inputs.

Easy-700

A series consisting of less efficient devices that have a number of advantages over the "500". However, despite this, auxiliary units can be connected to the models for subsequent expansion. These are digital and analog outputs and inputs, as well as communication modules.Perfectly suited for solving everyday tasks related to the automation and control of a large number of lines and signals, respectively. It is also customary to use in projects in which further expansion of the system is allowed, taking into account the minimum initial costs.

• expansion blocks;
• equipped with a coil, three contacts and 128 program lines;
• eight transistor outputs for 12V and 24V DC/0.5 A or 8 A (six relay outputs);
• four analog inputs powered at 12V, 24V DC and 24V AC from 0-10 V;
• 12 digital inputs.

Easy-500

Basic series consisting of programmed type mechanisms. Used to solve everyday and simple tasks related to automation. It can be used for lighting small spaces, presence control, heating systems, engine start control and pump (compressor) control.

• equipped with a coil, three contact groups and 128 program lines;
• four transistor outputs for 24V DC/0.5 A or 8 A (four relay outputs);
• two analogue inputs powered at 12V, 24V DC and 24 VAC from 0-10 V;
• eight digital inputs.

• auxiliary modules cannot be used.

ABB Cl-lsr. C12 AC2 100-240VAC 8I/40

A quality product from an Italian manufacturer. The model has an excellent elemental base and rich functionality. Mounting can be carried out directly on the rail. Such a programmable relay allows you to control certain local processes. An example would be a system used for irrigation. It is also possible to disable and enable individual consumer groups. For ease of use, a display is mounted.Designated protection class IP20.

Price - 35 thousand rubles.

• ease of monitoring the current state of the system;
• wide area of ​​use;
• convenient display;
• control.

• price.

Schneider Electric Zelio Logic

The model can be met by the consumer in several variations. We are talking about modular and monoblock relays, which largely affects their areas of application. The programming language used is the popular FBD, but it is possible to use Ladder. The relay can be mounted in lighting controllers, escalator control systems, pumping units. It should be noted that the manufacturer allows the use of the relay in the ACS.

Approximate cost - 15 thousand rubles.

• wide scope;
• clear interface;
• configuration variations;
• functionality.

• not identified.

OMRON ZEN-10C1DR-D-V2

Compact relay mounted on a DIN rail. Can be used to automate local equipment. For subsequent programming, you will need a computer or laptop connected to the system. A convenient display is used to perform everyday tasks. The declared protection is IP20, which is considered a standardized indicator. For added convenience, a timer is included.

Price - 13.5 thousand rubles.

• the presence of a timer;
• convenient display;
• the use of an extension device;
• efficiency.

• not detected.

DigiTop PB-2C

The simplest design of the time relay, the installation of which is carried out outside the house or apartment. The areas of application are very limited.Can be used to start pumps or organize lighting sources. For normal operation, it is enough to set a certain time period, which will be enough to turn off and turn on electrical equipment. Daily operation is allowed.

The price of the kit is 4.5 thousand rubles.

• acceptable cost;
• practicality;
• guarantee period;
• performance;
• reliability.

• functionality.

Conclusion

The use of a programmed type relay is quite obvious. The unit will perfectly cope with situations of a local plan, requiring almost no changes. Able to deal with simple situations. The functionality of the device will grow with its cost. In some cases, relays are more cost effective than PLCs, which require a separate operator interface. Despite the limited possibilities, the programmable relay is used for:

• formation of a long pulse at the output;
• turn-on delays in time;
• solving problems related to the input signal.

The programmable relay offers some advantages in 4-8 output and 4-8 input applications.