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What Is the Function of a Thermal Relay? 10 October 2024, 12:32

What Is the Function of a Thermal Relay?

Thermal relays are important devices used to ensure the safety of electric motors. They prevent motors from being damaged under conditions of overcurrent and overload and are widely used especially in industrial and manufacturing applications. In this article, we will examine in detail how thermal relays work and how they protect motors from overcurrent.

 

Thermal relays

What Is a Thermal Relay and What Is Its Function?

The main function of a thermal relay is to protect motors by disconnecting the circuit in the event of overcurrent or overload. The heat generated by excessive current in motors can cause damage and even result in burning. Thermal relays, which are used to prevent such situations, ensure the safe operation of motors.

Thermal relays, which are used to protect motors against overload and overcurrent, generally consist of bimetallic strips. These strips expand when they reach a certain temperature and break the circuit of the motor. In this way, when a motor is subjected to an overload or high current, it is disconnected and protected.

Thermal relays are one of the most effective protection methods against overcurrent in electric motors. These relays can also be referred to as overcurrent relays since their main function is to protect motors against excessive current. As overcurrent in motors can cause serious damage in the system, proper use of thermal relays is extremely important.

Working Principle of a Thermal Relay

The working principle of a thermal relay is based on breaking the circuit when the motor is under overload. In overload conditions, the bimetallic structure of the thermal relay heats up, expands, and disconnects the motor circuit. This protection system prevents the motor from being damaged under overload and ensures resistance against high currents. Especially in large industrial motors, controlling overcurrent is of vital importance.

Thermal relays help protect the motor by opening the circuit when a specific current value is exceeded in electrical circuits. For example, thermal relays produced in compliance with the TS EN 60947-4-1 standard are designed to provide the necessary protection against overcurrent in electrical circuits. These relays are used in applications critical to safety and help extend the life of electric motors.

Thermal Relay and Short Circuit Protection

The primary function of thermal relays is to protect motors from overcurrent and overload. However, thermal relays can also provide protection against dangerous and sudden current increases such as short circuits. A short circuit causes a large amount of current to occur very rapidly in electrical circuits, which can damage motors. Thermal relays disconnect the circuit quickly in the event of a short circuit, protecting the motor from these sudden surges.

Thermal Relay Selection and Usage

When selecting a thermal relay, the motor’s specifications and application requirements must be taken into account. When choosing a thermal overcurrent relay, selecting one that matches the motor's rated current value is very important. Additionally, environmental conditions in which the relay will operate should also be considered. Thermal relays to be used in high-temperature, humid, or dusty environments must be durable under such harsh conditions.

Proper adjustment of thermal relays is critical for motor safety. Since the working principle of thermal relays is to break the circuit when a certain current value is exceeded, it is essential that the relay is adjusted correctly. Otherwise, motors may stop unnecessarily or be damaged in overload situations.

Benefits of Thermal Relays

Thermal relays extend the life of electric motors by protecting them from overcurrent and overload. These devices prevent motors from overheating and burning, thereby enhancing operational safety and optimizing costs. Since they play a critical role in current control, they are widely used in large motors and industrial applications.

Additionally, thanks to thermal relays, motors are not unnecessarily operated, contributing to energy savings. Designed specifically to protect motors, these relays are a key element that enhances both safety and efficiency in electrical circuits. As such, thermal relays minimize the dangers caused by overcurrent and enable long-term system use.

TS EN 60947-4-1 Standard and Thermal Relays

Thermal relays used to protect electric motors are manufactured according to the TS EN 60947-4-1 standard. This standard is an internationally recognized guideline to ensure that thermal relays operate reliably and effectively. The standard requires that thermal relays disconnect the circuit in overcurrent conditions and protect motors from overcurrent. Thus, motors can operate safely and are not damaged under overload conditions.

Conclusion

Thermal relays play a vital role in protecting electric motors against overcurrent and overload. By protecting motors from such conditions, they extend motor life and ensure the safe operation of systems. When selecting a thermal relay, one that matches the motor’s rated current and is resistant to environmental conditions should be preferred. By correctly adjusting the current value and considering the operating principle of the thermal relay, long-term safety of the system can be ensured. A thermal relay is one of the most effective devices designed to protect motors and, when used correctly, can reduce operational costs and improve energy efficiency.