Panasonic claims smallest safety relays

Panasonic has unveiled, what it claims, is the world’s smallest 2 pole safety relay with power contacts on both normally-open and normally-closed sides.

The device measures just 33 x 14.0mm by 7.8mm tall (including 0.5mm stand-off) and comes with forcibly guided contacts according to EN61810-3.

Contact current ratings are 6A (NO) and 4A (NC) at 250Vac pr 30Vdc so as to be able to control loads like valves directly without another relay in between, according to the company.

Shock and vibration resistance are to ≥20g and these devices can operate from -40°C to 85°C ambient.

Coil nominal operating power is 270mW, although they will hold at 100mW. Dc coil voltage options are: 3 (90mA 33.3Ω), 5V (54mA 93Ω), 12V (23mA 533Ω), 16V(17mA 948Ω), 18V(15mA 1.2kΩ), 21V 3mA 1.633kΩ) or 24V (11mA 2.133kΩ).

Insulation is reinforced: ≥5.5mm (V=230V over-voltage category III, 6KV) on the normally-open side. While the normally-closed side gets basic insulation with 3mm clearance and 4mm creepage.

Called the SFM series, these devices are expected to address applications in safety relay modules, safety controllers, safe motion control, escalators, lifts, railway signalling, train door control and other access control