This section provides an overview for signal relays as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 28 signal relay manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked signal relay companies as of June, 2023: 1.Devar, Inc., 2.Hasco Relays and Electronics International Corp., 3.Zhejiang HKE Relay Co., Ltd.
Table of Contents
Signal relays are components for electric circuits that turn on and off electrical signals of relatively low current.
Products that open and close signals of about 2A or less are common.
Signal relays are used to switch electrical signals on and off. They are used in products that have electric circuits and have a wide range of applications, from home appliances to industrial equipment.
Specific applications are as follows:
Mainly used by mounting on control boards. However, some products are available with an optional dedicated socket for mounting on the DIN rail of the control panel.
Signal relays consist of a casing, input/output terminals, insulating parts, and contact switching parts.
The casing protects the signal relay. In most cases, it is made of resinous insulating material. It protects human contact with the electrical circuit. In some cases, simple specifications and serial numbers are printed on the casing.
These are terminals for sending and receiving signals. Typical input/output terminals are in the form of pins, with multiple pins protruding from the signal relay. Terminals are inserted into special sockets or soldered to electrical circuits.
These parts are used to support signals while insulating them. Generally, insulating materials such as resin are used because input/output circuits will be interfered with if supported by metal structures. The shape varies depending on the product.
These parts open and close contacts based on input signals. The construction of the component varies depending on the type of signal relay. In the case of a contact relay, it consists of a movable iron piece, a contact, an electromagnetic coil, and so on. In the case of non-contact relays, photo couplers and other parts are used as contact open/close parts.
Signal relays can be classified into two main types according to the type of contact point: contact relays and non-contact relays.
Contact relays are relays that actually use electromagnetic coils and springs to open and close electrical contacts. They are also called mechanical relays. Generally, an electromagnetic coil is used to open and close the contacts by moving the movable iron strip to which the contacts are attached.
Silver, which has low electrical resistance, is used as the contact material. Products plated with soft gold to reduce contact resistance are also available. Since contact wear and deterioration of the moving parts occur, the relay is characterized by a life span that depends on the frequency of contact opening/closing.
A contactless relay is a relay that has no mechanical contacts. They are also called solid-state relays.
Contacts are opened and closed by semiconductor electronic components, such as MOSFETs. Since the contacts do not actually move, there is no residual life, depending on the frequency of contact opening and closing. Therefore, it has a longer life than a contact relay. However, the semiconductor components are sensitive to high temperatures and heat, making them unsuitable for use in high-temperature environments.
Relay contacts are divided into a-contact, b-contact, and c-contact. Each contact is used separately to configure a control circuit.
1. A-Contact
The A-contact is a contact that is open when no signal is input to the input terminal and conducts when a signal is input. It is also called a normally open contact or a make contact. It is the most common type of contact that provides signal isolation only.
2. B-Contact
The B-contact is a contact that conducts when no signal is input to the input terminal and opens when a signal is input. It is characterized by the opposite action of the A-contact and can invert the input signal. It is often used in interlock circuits and fault interrupting circuits.
3. C-Contact
The C-contact is a three-terminal contact combining a and b contacts. It has three terminals: a common terminal, an A-contact terminal, and a b-contact terminal. When no signal is input to the input terminal, the common B-contact terminal is conducting and the common-a contact terminal is open.
When a signal is input to the input terminal, the common terminal-B contact terminal is open and the common-a contact terminal is conducting. It is used for circuits that switch between forward and reverse rotation. Another feature of the C-contact is that it is applicable only to contact relays.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Fujitsu Components America, Inc. is a global leader in electronics manufacturing services (EMS), providing integrated services and solutions for OEMs and ODMs operating in the automotive, communications, computing, consumer, industrial and medical sectors. Fujitsu Components America’s Products include relays, touch panels, and wireless modules, and input and pointing devices. Fujitsu Component America serves customers across volume spectrums in variable-mix, variable-volume production.
NOARK is based in Pomona, California, and is a global manufacturer of low-voltage electrical components for industrial applications. NOARK specializes in motor controls and protection for original equipment and manufacturers with products covered by five-year limited warranties. NOARK parts are used in numerous solutions such as HVAC and refrigeration, industrial food equipment, panel builders, digital storage, and engine generators. NOARK’s main product lines include low-voltage power circuit breakers, molded case circuit breakers, miniature circuit breakers, overload relays, and circuit control devices.
Amperite Co., through OlympicControls Corp., was founded in 1968 with roots going back to 1922. The company serves military and industrial market segments with motor controls, circuit controls, alarms, and other systems. The company offers four specific, focused business units that maintain identities in separate end-user applications: Amperite Co., OlympicControls Relays, T-Bar Relays, switches, and Fuel Pumps. Amperite manufactures time delay relays, flashers, and controlling devices. OlympicControls offers customized products manufactured to customer specifications. T-Bar Relays serves OEMs and customers such as Raytheon and Learjet. Fuel Pumps serve military and heavy-duty trucks.
Devar Inc. is headquartered in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Devar Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of industrial control and measurement devices for several industries including electromechanical manufacturing. Devar products are made in the United States and its factories are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Devar’s product categories include level and pressure including transducers and transmitters, pump controllers, loop powered indicators, signal isolators and converters including AC current transmitters and isolated signal conditioners, panel meters, alarms, and temperature transmitters.
KEMET has a portfolio of over 1,600 patents serving the automotive, aerospace, industrial, telecommunications, computing, consumer, and medical devices. KEMETs devices provide filtering, sensing, energy storage, power conversion, and haptic actuator technology. Among these devices are capacitors, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) components, resistors, circuit protection devices, inductors, sensors, Piezoelectric devices, release, transformers, and engineering kits.
Addison Electric originally opened its doors in 1980 and is headquartered in Addison, Illinois. Addison Electric provides systems integration, distribution, and service for industrial tools and equipment. Product lines include motors & gears, drives, controllers, sensors, devices, fuses, blocks, holders, low voltage control products, and thermal management. Service options include electrical and motor services such as PLC programming and clutch and brake repair, as well as dyne load testing and drive and motor dyne testing.
Struthers-Dunn is headquartered in Timmonsville, South Carolina, and was established in 1923, making it one of the oldest relay manufacturers in the world. The company’s relays and related electrical components are utilized in traffic signals, power generation, factory automation, construction, and water treatment applications. The company’s product lines primarily consist of relays such as general purpose, motor, timer, and sequencing relays. Other products include accessories and special-purpose relays for super high voltage applications such as gas turbine power plants.
Founded in San Clemente, California in 1997, NetSource Technology, Inc. is an independent stocking distributor of electronic components and global procurement services, providing comprehensive supply chain solutions to OEMs and contract manufacturers worldwide. NetSource Technology serves the aerospace, automotive, IoT, medical, mobile device, and telecommunications industries and related companies. NetSource Technology specializes in locating hard-to-find, obsolete, end-of-life and highly allocated components with long lead times, supporting customers throughout the complete supply chain lifecycle.
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
Founded in 1984, Xiamen Hongfa Electroacoustic Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer specializing in relays, connectors, precision manufacturing parts, and automation equipment. Headquartered in Xiamen, China, the company has established 30 subsidiaries worldwide, serving over 120 countries and regions. HONGFA offers customized solutions utilizing its electrical appliances and complete equipment. Its wide range of products finds applications in various industries such as smart homes, smart grids, industrial control, automotive and railway transportation, and the Internet of Things. The company has received multiple awards, including the 2023 National Enterprise Culture Outstanding Achievement by China Enterprise Confederation and China Entrepreneurs Association.
OMRON Electronic Components Europe is the European division of OMRON Corporation, which is based in Kyoto, Japan, and has head offices around the world. The European division has its own development and manufacturing facilities providing local customer support provided in all European countries. The European division produces PCBs and other components for the eSports, alternative energy, automated test equipment, and entertainment industries. The company’s four primary product divisions are relays, switches, connectors, and sensors including flow sensors and IoT sensors.
Panasonic Industry Europe is the European branch of Panasonic, a global manufacturer of electronics and houseware, originally founded in 1918. Panasonic Industry Europe manufactures in 4 categories: components, devices, energy & building, and automation devices & solutions. Components include relays, capacitors, resistors, sensors, switches, connectors, couplers. Devices include wireless connectivity, e-bike systems, motors, compressors, thermal solutions, GPS antennas, as well as electronic materials. Energy & building includes batteries, fuel cells, solar sells, power tools, and home IoT. Automation devices & solutions include sensors for factory automation, industrial motors, laser welding, and more.
Wenzhou DAQUAN Electric Co., Ltd was founded in 1996 in Wenzhou, China. The company is an electrical products manufacturer of relays, relay sockets, timers, meters, and related components to customers both in and outside of China and serves both home appliance customers as well as industrial customers in manufacturing and other industries. The company has 5 major product segments including relays, timers, meters, circuit breakers, and switches. The company also sells various tools, alarm devices, and product accessories.
Celduc Inc. through Celduc Transfo was founded in 1960 as a manufacturer of transformers. Celduc Inc. is based in, France. Celduc Inc. was officially created in 2020 and headquartered in Centerport, New York. Celduc creates electronics and customized products for industries including railway, plastic, packaging, medical, and electronics. Celduc’s main product lines include solid state relays, magnetic proximity sensors, reed relays & switches, and customized products. Customized products are versions of other products adapted for use in industries with special needs such as nuclear power, aircraft, and agriculture.
Ranking as of June 2023 in United States of America
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Devar, Inc. | 18.2% |
2 | Hasco Relays and Electronics International Corp. | 9.1% |
3 | Zhejiang HKE Relay Co., Ltd | 9.1% |
4 | Tai-Shing Electronics Components Corporation | 9.1% |
5 | World Products, Inc. | 9.1% |
6 | NetSource Technology, Inc. | 9.1% |
7 | Addison Electric | 9.1% |
8 | Struthers-Dunn, Inc. | 9.1% |
9 | Celduc Inc. | 9.1% |
10 | Hsin Da Precision | 9.1% |
Ranking as of June 2023 Globally
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Devar, Inc. | 9.1% |
2 | Struthers-Dunn, Inc. | 6.1% |
3 | Hasco Relays and Electronics International Corp. | 6.1% |
4 | Zhejiang HKE Relay Co., Ltd | 6.1% |
5 | Tai-Shing Electronics Components Corporation | 6.1% |
6 | World Products, Inc. | 6.1% |
7 | NetSource Technology, Inc. | 6.1% |
8 | Celduc Inc. | 6.1% |
9 | Hsin Da Precision | 6.1% |
10 | ELESTA | 3% |
11 | GOODSKY | 3% |
12 | Wenzhou DAQUAN Electric | 3% |
13 | Panasonic Industry Europe | 3% |
14 | OMRON Electronic Components | 3% |
15 | Hengstler | 3% |
16 | Ningbo Xingchuangzhi Electric Appliance Co.,Ltd. | 3% |
17 | Xiamen Hongfa Electroacoustic Co.,Ltd. | 3% |
18 | Addison Electric | 3% |
19 | NOARK Electric North America | 3% |
20 | Ningbo Forward Relay Corp.,Ltd | 3% |
21 | Codico GmbH | 3% |
22 | Zhejiang Fanhar Electronics | 3% |
23 | Fujitsu Components America, Inc. | 3% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the signal relay page as of June 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History