High-Power US-Compliant Relay Switches: 70A 277V Single-Phase Solution

Panasonic has recently introduced a series of 70A PCB-mount power relays that are specifically designed to meet US standards. The HE-R2A relay series offers a UL508-compliant solution for European four-phase systems, allowing for the consolidation of switching functions onto PCBs with space savings. This development has been welcomed by industry professionals, including Panasonic product manager Bernd Jaschinski.

"The HE-R2A relay series is suited for modern wall box designs, and we are happy that we can offer a UL508-compliant sibling of the HE-R type for European four-phase systems, enabling the consolidation of switching functions onto PCBs with space savings," said Jaschinski.

One notable feature of the HE-R2A relay series is its short-circuit rating to UL508, which is 5kArms. This ensures reliable performance and safety in demanding applications.

The relays in this series are equipped with two normally-open ('2a') contacts for the single-phase mains connection. These contacts can handle 70A 277Vac with a minimum life of 3x10^4 cycles, or a maximum of 80A 277Vac with a life of 10^4 cycles, all with resistive loads. It is worth noting that these contacts are AgNi type, while the European four-pole version utilizes AgSnO2 types that are rated to 40A (50Amax) 480V.

Additionally, an optional normally-closed ('1b') 'feedback' or 'mirror' contact compliant to IEC60947-4-1 is available for detecting welding of the other contacts. This contact can switch maximums of 500mAdc, 30Vdc, 1Aac, 277Vac, 15W, or 277VA, with minimum values of 10mA or 5Vdc.

The HE-R2A relay series offers coil options of 12V (333mA 36Ω) or 24V (167mA 144Ω), both consuming 4W for at least 200ms for actuation and holding at 490mW. The creepage and clearance between every contact pair and coil are 8mm, except for 3.2mm between mirror contacts and the coil. The relays have a compact size of 47 (+pins) x 37 x 60mm in 2a or 2a1b form, making them suitable for various applications.

With an operating temperature range of -40 to +85°C, the HE-R2A relay series ensures reliable performance even in extreme conditions. For more detailed information, the HE-R2A data sheet can be found here.