Difference between contactors and relays

Contactors are used in applications that require large currents of over 100 A to be carried. Both relays and contactors are used to switch various parts of a circuit. The main difference is that contactors are used with large currents, while relays are used with small currents. However, contactors used with large currents are more robust and larger than relays and tend to make a loud operating noise when opening and closing.

OMRON's DC power relays combine the advantages of both contactors and relays.

What is DC power relay?

OMRON's DC power relays are commonly referred to as contactors.
While maintaining the compact size that is one of the advantages of relays, our DC power relays are capable of high-capacity energization and interruption which is in the switching area of contactors. Furthermore, hermetic type (gas-sealed type) relays have a robust sealed structure and have better environmental resistance to gases and dust than general relays. Hermetic type relays also suppress operating noise by downsizing the electromagnetic (drive part).
OMRON offers a lineup of DC power relays in a wide range of capacitance bands to meet your needs. We solve your problems with our DC power relays that combine the advantages of contactors and relays.

OMRON's power relay lineup

What is the DC power relay that is compact in size and achieves large current interruption in the contactor area?

Expanding applications with G9EK

Multifunctional G9EK can be used for various applications.
Please try the compact and high-performance G9EK!

Click here for the G9EK product page

For automotive applications, please refer to webpages for In-vehicle Relays and In-vehicle Switches.

The G9EK is ideal for high-voltage and large-current interruption in these application circuits.

(Example) Mobility: DC isolation / safe disconnection

(Example) ESS: DC safe shutdown

Large current 500 A interruption

The difficulty in realizing a DC relay that can interrupt large currents lies in how it can interrupt the generated arcs. When a relay turns off a circuit, a spark of several thousand degrees Celsius, called an arc, is generated between the contacts. The higher the current and voltage, the more likely an arc will be generated. Therefore, large current interruption in a compact size has conventionally been achieved by employing a robust relay structure that traps hydrogen gas, which has the property of quickly cooling the arc. However, while having the great advantage of being compact and having the capability to open and close large currents equivalent to the contactor's area in a compact size, the need to trap hydrogen gas inside the component requires special parts/materials and manufacturing processes. We were faced with the problem of the difficulty of obtaining special parts and materials in large quantities and in a stable manner, and the inability to support a stable supply or mass production, resulting in high prices. Furthermore, because a robust relay that will not leak gas or deteriorate over several decades is required, the relay tended to have a complex structure and be expensive. In the battery (energy storage) field where demand is expected to increase in the future, relays that can interrupt large currents in a compact size without the need for gas are now in high demand.

What is Arc?

An arc is a spark of several thousand degrees Celsius that is generated between the contacts of a relay when it turns off the circuit.

Conventional relay structure

Arc cooling using inert gas

Pressurized gas with high thermal conductivity is filled in the contact area. The gas removes the heat from the arc, allowing for quick cooling and cutoff.

Ceramic housing for sealed structure

The need for a long-lasting gas leak-proof and deterioration-resistant structure covered with ceramics makes it visually robust and large in size. Relays tend to be expensive because they require special parts and manufacturing processes to prevent gas leakage, as well as special inspections to ensure hermetic sealing.

Up to 200 A can be carried by changing the cable Up to 200 A can be carried
by changing the cable

The G9EK is gasless and capable of high-capacity switching at a rated load of 500 VDC and 120 A. In order to stably energize the system with large currents of 100A or more, the terminal of the G9EK has a wide plate shape (bar terminal). By making the busbar (connector cable) thicker, heat dissipation is improved and even larger currents than the rated value of 120 A can be carried through it.

When a busbar with a thickness of 30 mm² is used, 120 A can be energized, but when a busbar with a thickness of 100 mm² is used, up to 200 A can be energized. (Actual values)

2-unit series connection capable of interrupting high voltages of 500 V or more 2-unit series connection capable ofinterr-
upting high voltages of 500 V or more

When connecting one G9EK

500 VDC interruption is possible

When connecting two G9EKs in series

One relay can interrupt 500 A, so two units can interrupt a total of 1,000 A. Using two units allows for greater resistance to short-circuit currents.

2-unit parallel connection capable of interrupting large currents of 1,000 A 2-unit parallel connection capable of
interrupting large currents of 1,000 A

When connecting one G9EK

500 VDC interruption is possible

When connecting two G9EKs in series

One relay can interrupt 500 A, so two units can interrupt a total of 1,000 A. Using two units allows for greater resistance to short-circuit currents.

G9EK, which is used in high-voltage applications such as batteries, has the specifications to satisfy the insulation standard IEC 60664-1 (Pollution Level II). With an insulation design that withstands 1,000 VDC, twice the rated voltage of 500 VDC, the G9EK can also handle high-voltage applications of 500 VDC or more.

Click here to contact us

Supporting both charging and discharging helps reduce the size of equipment Supporting both charging and discharging
helps reduce the size of equipment

Relays with polarity (for unidirectional switching)

For non-polarized relays, the charge/discharge system requires two relays and two diodes connected in parallel.

Relays without polarity (for bidirectional switching)

G9EK can switch in both directions (charging and discharging) with a single unit.

When there is polarity on the energized side

Contactors and DC power relays used for large current energization and interruption applications are generally mounted on the outside of the board with screws. The connector is located only on one side, and this part is connected to the relay drive circuit. However, if the current-carrying side has polarity, the mounting direction changes depending on whether it is charging or discharging, so it is necessary to consider the mounting direction of the relay when designing. The G9EK can support charging and discharging, eliminating the need to worry about mounting direction, thus contributing to greater design freedom in terms of space. Restrictions on the mounting direction allow for a simple structural design without unreasonable wiring or wasted space, which helps to reduce the size of equipment.

With polarity (unidirectional switching)

Because the terminals have polarity, the direction of the connector is determined, and space for wiring may be required depending on the equipment to be used.

Without polarity (bidirectional switching)

Because the terminals have no polarity, the direction of the connector can be determined depending on the equipment to be used.

*OMRON’s data as of November 2024

The short-circuit performance of a relay refers to how much current it can control in the event of a short circuit due to malfunction or other causes.
A high-capacity battery stores lots of power, which is instantly released in the event of a short circuit. This results in an instantaneous flow of extremely large currents. Large currents can cause not only heat generation and fire, but also damage to electrical equipment and circuits. The current in the event of a short circuit is expected to range from several thousand to 20,000 amperes, so it is necessary to protect electrical circuits and connected electrical components, and to ensure safety as a system, including safety parts (e.g., fuses) to prevent overheating and fire. Relays are required to have enough short-circuit performance to withstand large currents until safety is ensured by safety parts.

The G9EK has an excellent short-circuit performance that can withstand large currents of 5,000 A for 5 ms or more. This is the level at which an application using a 10 to 20 kWh class lithium-ion battery can withstand a short circuit in the event of an abnormality.

Example of current during short circuit

Electromagnetic repulsion generated on the contact surface

Short-circuit currents flow with a steep rise of up to several thousand amperes in a short period of time (up to 1 ms). When a large current flows, a strong magnetic field is generated around the current-carrying part, and the force of the current from the magnetic field (Lorentz force) acts in the direction of contact separation. This phenomenon is called "electromagnetic repulsion". To withstand large currents, a structure that can push the contact with a force stronger than the generated Lorentz force is required. The higher the capacity of a battery, the larger the short-circuit current and the stronger the electromagnetic repulsive force, which dramatically increases the difficulty level of design.

Technical innovation

Conventional terminal structure

The magnetic field is concentratedly generated in the center due to the current flowing in a U-shape. As a result, the Lorentz force (the force the current receives from the magnetic field) is applied downward, making it easier for the contact to separate.

G9EK terminal structure

Due to the structural design in which the current flows almost horizontally, the direction of magnetic field generation is dispersed. As a result, the magnetic field generated around the contact point becomes smaller and the Lorentz force acting in the direction of pulling the contact point apart becomes smaller.

Compared with conventional structures, the G9EK, with its low Lorentz force acting in the direction of contact separation, requires less coil force to press the movable plate against the contact, thus reducing the power consumption of the coil by 20 to 30%.

Comparison of electromagnetic repulsion force generated at the contact (movable plate)

Why not try G9EK which combines both high capacity and impact resistance?

Click here for recommende products for mobility

Why not try G9EK which combines both high capacity and impact resistance?

Click here for recommende products for mobility

How much impact is 100G?

A general car collision is about 60G

Note: This is just an image.

G9EK has 100G impact resistance
Withstands impact at the level of an F1 car collision!

Note: This is just an image.

How about impact resistance when G9EK is ON or OFF?

Impact resistance when G9EK is ON

The figure on the left shows how much impact force can be applied to the G9EK when it is energized, for example, when the mobility is in motion, to ensure stable energization without causing the contact point to separate. The G9EK can withstand up to 100G of impact force from any direction. 100G is the impact level of an F1 car collision.

Impact resistance when G9EK is OFF

Technical innovation

Conventional relay hinge type

In the hinge type, the movable part of the contact is supported by a wire. Because the structure is simply pressed sideways by the force of the spring, it moves with impacts that are greater than the specified level.

G9EK adopted structural plunger type

Due to the T-shaped design of the contact movable part, the plunger type is virtually unaffected by vibrations from the left, right, front, or back, except from up and down, which is the direction in which the contact moves. In addition, a solenoid coil is used to strengthen the magnetic force, which increases the contact pressure between the contact points and creates a structure that is even more resistant to vibrations.

500 A cutoff wall that could not be overcome only with conventional know-how relying on the power of gas

It was unimaginably difficult for us to realize DC switching equivalent to a gas-sealed relay in the same size as conventional gas-sealed relays, without depending on gas, in the ultra-high-capacity zone of 500 A and 400 VDC where arcs frequently occur. Our biggest concern with eliminating gas was the capability to interrupt arcs. Interrupting large DC currents is several times more difficult than interrupting large AC currents. In an AC circuit where the direction of current flow changes, the arc disappears as soon as the current reaches zero. The arc will not disappear because the direction of current flow remains constant, so the relay must forcibly interrupt the arc.

When trying to realize air switching (gasless) with high capacity and compact size

In particular, Arc reignition and arc stalemate occurred many times during the design process of the gas-independent structure causing us much trouble.
Regarding the Arc reignition phenomenon, we knew from past experience that the use of space is effective, but we had no data on exactly how much space was required. Until then, arc cutoff performance was dependent on the power of gas, so we did not have to consider detailed spatial design to extend the arc. What is important, however, is that the size is the same as that of conventional gas-sealed relays.
Even if we could achieve high capacity, customers would not see any benefit if the size of the product were to become too large.

My heart almost broke many times. However, I could not give up then. Supported by our strong will to create a next-generation DC power relay with superior supply capability that will contribute to the creation of a carbon-neutral world through gasless interruption technology, our engineers with a wide range of knowledge and opinions gathered and held multifaceted discussions the first thing every morning. We then tried every possible interruption method and steadily found out what elements and approaches would be most effective in interrupting arcs. After several years of making prototype models day after day and repeating trial and error in evaluations and examinations, we finally succeeded in interrupting large currents of 400 VDC and 500 A without using gas by incorporating unprecedented design elements in addition to the magnetic arc interrupting technology.

Naoki Kawaguchi

Fine Mechanical PD 1
High Power Switching Technology Gr,
Business Management Division HQ

Naoki Kawaguchi

Fine Mechanical PD 1
High Power Switching Technology Gr,
Business Management Division HQ

OMRON's unique new DC power relay structure

Shinichi Ogawa

Mobility Product Development Dept.
Business Management Division HQ

Shinichi Ogawa

Mobility Product Development Dept.
Business Management Division HQ

In order to achieve a 500 A interruption without relying on the power of gas, new interruption elements were essential in addition to conventional studies of the optimum magnet and magnetic force.
Through repeated simulations of how the arc moves during interruption using OMRON's proprietary CAE analysis technology, we incorporated structural engineering into the design to maximize the use of a small space and to increase the distance over which the arc can be extended. Furthermore, we actually confirmed by using an electromagnetic mirror whether the arc was actually moving as expected through the arc simulation and adjusted the structural design in detail to ensure the necessary spatial distance and to prevent arc merging/reignition. We also devised the shape of the contact to give it an advantage in interrupting large currents.
The design of the G9EK incorporates many such structures that are superior to interruption.

Ideal design vs. Mass-producible structure

The G9EK with its innovative design structure was full of challenges even after the design elements were incorporated into the product.
Although there is an ideal shape in design, it is difficult to reproduce complex shapes and tight tolerance settings in mass production. Various adjustments were needed to realize the shape of parts that can be assembled on the production line and mass-produced with quality assurance. The absence of gas eliminates the need for the large equipment required to fill the product with gas and simplifies the structure of the product itself, while conventional production methods cannot be used because the structure of almost all parts is new. Various adjustments were necessary to correct unstable quality problems, such as assembly defects that could not be identified during the prototype stage and the inability to meet the process capability of each specification to ensure quality. I paid careful attention to the design of the key aspects of the product, such as interrupting performance and short-circuit performance, so we were able to obtain results that were generally in line with our expectations, but errors occurred in unexpected areas. After resolving one error, I was soon faced with another error. I could not improve the situation in one go, and it was similar to playing a game of whack-a-mole. However, I could not afford to waste time here, as the technical review stage took a considerable amount of time. Anyway, I tried to make improvements by repeating trial and error in the limited time I had.

Electronic components can help address social issues

The development of the G9EK was an extremely challenging project because it was OMRON's first gasless plunger-type DC power relay and an entirely new product from our existing products. Therefore, experts in various fields were involved in the technology development, product design, and commercialization stages.
The road to commercialization was not smooth at all, and I encountered obstacles over and over again and I felt like giving up. However, all the members involved overcame the obstacles one by one and were able to launch the G9EK.

I believe that efforts to achieve carbon neutrality will accelerate around the world in the future. The G9EK completely eliminates the need for special parts and processes that were previously essential in conventional large-current interrupting structures, making it possible to provide a stable supply for various applications such as electric mobility, power supply equipment, and battery storage equipment. The G9EK is also a clean product that consumes less electricity during the production process.

I have been working on DC power relays at OMRON for about 10 years, and the G9EK is not only my most challenging and difficult product to date, but also the one I have the most affection for. Being in a position to promote the electronic components business, we became increasingly aware that we could contribute to solving social issues by promoting carbon neutrality of the products we offer through the development of the G9EK. Looking back on that time, I feel that it was a few years during which everyone, backed by a strong sense of mission, worked together to push forward toward the commercialization of the product.
In order to create a carbon neutral world, it would be great if we could deliver G9EK, which is filled with our passionate desire, all over the world.

Recently, the required specifications for relays are on the rise, and we are developing DC power relays that can handle larger currents and higher voltages to meet these requirements. Although this is a challenging project, the entire organization is working to create new products through concurrent development that involves members from all fields from upstream to downstream. I would like to respond flexibly to the needs of society by speedily creating new value while using the technology and experience gained through the development of the G9EK. Please look forward to OMRON's DC power relays in the future.

Mobility Product Development Dept.

DC Power Relay Team

Mobility Product Development Dept.

DC Power Relay Team

Related Contents

For automotive applications, please refer to webpages for In-vehicle Relays and In-vehicle Switches.