What are the product life, recommended maintenance and replacement timing of relays?

Life of relay

Relay durability involves contact durability and coil durability.

• Durability of coil: The standard value is 40,000 hours because of decrease in insulation due to heat generation when the rated voltage is continuously applied to the coil.
• Durability of contact: Select a relay by referring to the graph of “Maximum opening/closing capacity” and “Durability curve” shown on the datasheet or the number of opening and closing times in the durability (electrical) data. The following are examples of power relays and signal (communication) relays.
  If contact reliability is important for signal (communication) relays, refer to the stability of contact resistance in contact reliability tests.
  

  

  

For more information, see FAQE10011E "Explain the maximum opening and closing capacity in the relay characteristics data." and FAQE10013E "Explain how to interpret relay durability curve data.".

Reducing Maintenance Workload and PCB Damage Risk by Using Sockets

When regular maintenance is required, we recommend using a dedicated socket along with the relay.

Compared with directly soldered relays, using sockets eliminates the need for soldering and desoldering work.
When the relay reaches the end of its life or fails, it can be easily replaced.
Additionally, the risk of PCB damage during replacement can be reduced.
Because dedicated sockets are used, appropriate insertion and removal force can be maintained, helping to lower the risk of equipment failure.

Below is a wide lineup of socket options. The table lists relays that are applicable for each socket.
For details on specifications and applicable models, please refer to each product’s datasheet.

【P6K Socket Contact Resistance Comparison Data】

①Relay only (Model: G6K-2P)
②Relay (G6K-2P) + Socket (P6K-08F) combination after 50 insertions/removals (durability test)

The difference in expected performance between ① and ② is negligible, and the relay can be used without issue even when combined with a socket^*1.

※The following data is for reference only. Please confirm suitability under actual operating conditions before use.

The P6K socket is compatible only with the G6K PCB terminal types (G6K-2P/G6K(U)-2P-Y). The compatible relay models vary by socket, so please refer to the respective datasheets when using them.

^*1“Actual test” means that after 50 cycles of “insertion”, “retention”, and “removal”, the relay still satisfies the specified characteristics.
In general use, no contact failure or functional abnormality occurs.

Recommended maintenance and replacement timing

The following details can help you decide when to maintain the relay.