[AMRadio] Contactor

[Geoff/W5OMR]

Edward B Richards wrote:
> I thought that was why they put a diode across a relay coil. Can you put
> a diode across the contacts?

from 
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:5anM2XEYmcEJ:relays.tycoelectronics.com/appnotes/app_pdfs/13c3236.pdf+relay+contact+protection&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a
(or http://tinyurl.com/2zq7qf)

-----------------------------

_Contact Protection_

Perhaps the most popular method of quenching an arc between separating 
contacts is with an R-C network placed directly across the contacts. As 
the contacts just begin to separate and an arc ignites, load current 
feeding the arc will be shunted into the capacitor through the series 
resistance, depriving the arc of some of its energy. As a result,
arc duration will be shortened and [contact] material loss will be 
minimized.

(there's a section in there about what different contact materials there 
are to be considered and what their properties are).

Theoretically, the ideal arc suppression method would simply be a 
capacitor placed directly across the contacts. However, with no resistor 
in the circuit, when the contacts make, there is nothing to limit 
capacitor discharge current. This nearly instantaneous discharge current 
can generate a brief, but severe arc that may cause welded contacts,
depending on contact material and characteristics. Thus, the resistor is 
necessary to limit capacitor discharge current. However, there is one 
drawback. That is, the resistor tends to isolate the capacitor from the 
very contacts the capacitor is supposed to protect. Because of this, the 
amount of resistance should be kept as small as possible.
Many relay users are unfamiliar with the selection of a capacitor for 
arc quenching service. To begin with, AC differs from DC in that AC 
crosses zero 120 times per second for 60 Hertz service while DC, of 
course, is continuous current. In AC service, the capacitor need not be 
as large as in DC service because the AC arc will extinguish at a zero 
crossover point. In DC service, the capacitor must continue to shunt 
load current sway from the contacts until the contacts separate far 
enough apart for the arc to extinguish.

--------------------------

The site goes on and into detail about capacitor selection, with 
formulas on how to figure such.

Another section, worthy of quoting here, are practical applications:


_Other Arc Suppression Methods_

For quenching DC arcs in certain applications, relays are available that 
have a permanent magnet located in close proximity to the contacts. The 
magnet repels the DC arc, thereby stretching the arc and causing it to 
extinguish quickly.  Some relay users connect a diode across the 
inductive load to prevent countervoltage from reaching the contacts. 
When the relay contacts open, the stored energy of the inductance 
recirculates through the diode, not through the arc.While this is an 
acceptable method of protecting the contacts, it does result in 
lengthened hold-up time of the inductive load.  For those applications 
that cannot tolerate lengthened hold-up time, a resistor may be placed 
in series with the diode. The resistor does, however, lessen the 
effectiveness of the diode and, usually, a compromise must be reached by 
trial and error.
By using a zener diode in place of the resistor, hold-up time is greatly 
reduced. This is because the diodes cannot turn on until the voltage 
across them equals the sum of their voltage drops.

In some circuits, space is at a premium and there may not be sufficient 
room for a zener and a regular diode. In such circuits, some designers 
use a metal oxide varistor. The MOV performs in a manner similar to 
back-to-back zener diodes. And, since the MOV is a bidirectional device, 
it can be used in both AC and DC circuits.
An added benefit of arc suppression is the minimization of EMI. An 
unsuppressed arc between contacts is an excellent noise generator. Such 
noise can be troublesome to sensitive components in a circuit, or within 
the RFI field. In worst-case conditions, EMI can cause unwanted turn-on 
of IC logic gates, SCRs, and triacs, and can cause damage to other 
semiconductor devices.

*Suggested capacitor types are metalized foil and film foil. Check 
capacitor specifications for
dv/dt and di/dt ratings


-- 
Driving your AM Rig without a scope, 
is like driving your car at night, without headlights. (K4KYV)

--
73 = Best Regards,
-Geoff/W5OMR