A relay is a device for switching an electrical circuit when input changes. The classic version is an electromechanical device that opens or closes contacts when an electric current passes through the winding. Pulse relays for lighting control also have two states: on and off. But their distinctive feature is switching the state with one pulse. After pressing the switch button, which works on the principle of an electric bell button, a short-term voltage pulse passes through the coil winding or control circuit, which serves to switch the power contacts. If voltage remains on a conventional relay after switching on, then it is removed on a pulse (bistable) relay. But at the same time, the switching of contacts that switch the load still occurs.

Advantages of impulse relays

1. No energy is consumed to maintain the "on" state. Energy is spent only on switching.
2. Silent operation.
3. Possibility to connect any number of switches.
4. Wiring savings, since a smaller cross-section of conductors is required for operational control. In addition, two conductors are sufficient for each pass-through switch.
5. Many options for use in everyday life and in electronic circuits.

Relay types

These electronic devices are manufactured in several types:

1. Electromagnetic. The control is performed by switching the contacts with an electromagnet. When an electric pulse passes through its winding, the switching mechanism is triggered under the action of the resulting magnetic field.
2. Electronic. Depends on the network. Leading manufacturers are close to electromagnetic in quality.

Application of impulse relays

The ability to control light switching is used in stair switches. The built-in timer allows you to turn off the light in the entrance of the house after a set period of time. The impulse relay is installed in the luminaire itself, in the junction box or in the control panel. It can also be part of the stair BIS-403.

Also used to turn lights on and off from different locations, simplifying the wiring diagram compared to walk-through switches.

Connecting an impulse relay for lighting control

The device contains 4 pins:

• feeding phase;
• exit to buttons;
• phase output to light bulbs.

Neutral is connected to light sources separately.

The buttons connect the phase to the lamps. Their number can be no more than 10, otherwise false positives will appear. Usually their number does not exceed 2-4. You can set more than 10 if the control wires are located separately from the power wires and an additional capacitor is connected.

Device and application

Pulse relays for lighting control are very easy to use. Despite the presence of electronics, the device is quite reliable in operation. It consists of a sensor unit and an electric coil. Power is supplied from the mains. The circuit contains control and load circuits. The device works silently and remembers the previous settings.

Impulse relay RIO-1

The impulse lighting control relay RIO-1 contains the following contacts:

Here, 2 On / Off buttons are connected for switching lighting from different places, but you can install more by connecting them in parallel. Lighting circuits are rated at 10 A. A circuit breaker is installed to protect them. The power contacts of the RIO-1 relay withstand a current of 16 A. If more power is required, the lighting is controlled using an impulse relay through a contactor.

If the lighting is off, then when you press any signal, the Y input is applied. This closes the power contact 11-14, which supplies voltage to the lamps.

When the key of any switch is pressed again, the phase is again fed to input Y, but at the same time, the power contact 11-14 is already opened, turning off the lighting. The circuit is much simpler than when using pass-through switches and does not become more complicated when new ones are connected in parallel.

To facilitate troubleshooting in case of a short circuit, it is advisable to install a separate circuit breaker on the 6 A power control circuit. Then it will immediately become clear which circuit is faulty by the protection that has worked in it. In this case, the control circuit will require a smaller wire (0.75 mm 2).

Pulse relay ABB

If you need to install an impulse relay to control lighting, abb is just right.

Its advantages are the following:

1. Availability of additional outputs for centralized control. Through them, you can force the lighting to turn on or off, regardless of the state it is in. Then you can connect all the relays through them and control them at the same time, for example, turn off all the lights when leaving the house.
2. Group module E250 GM for selective switching off of lighting on floors or at once in the whole house.
3. Immunity to interference electromechanical ABB.
4. The presence of manual control of the relay contacts, using the lever on the device. This is handy when automation fails.
5. The ability to operate on direct or alternating current creates great advantages for a variety of applications.

Pulse relays for ABB lighting control also have disadvantages:

• the ability to install only in a shield on DIN rails;
• high price.

Despite the price, many people purchase ABB impulse relays due to their high reliability and resistance to interference.

Latching relays legrand

Analogues of ABB products are impulse relays for Legrand lighting control. Their advantages are as follows:

• a variety of useful functions that can be changed using additional accessories (alarm contact, additional control device, compensator, etc.);
• economy and reliability;
• convenience of connections;
• independent connection of power and control circuits through separate terminals.

Legrand models also have high prices, but they are quite worth it when used correctly.

Conclusion

Pulse relays for lighting control allow you to create additional comfort in an apartment or house. When used correctly, they are economical and reliable. In addition, models from leading manufacturers bring new features to light control, which are indispensable.