Contact TypeBifurcated contactContact type with two contact studs per contact spring. Both contacts work in parallel, switch as far as possible at the time and are mechanically largely independent of each other. This ensures the contact reliability is considerably increased, preferred on the switching of smaller currents and voltages (dry circuit; dry switching). Bridging contact Double contact configuration, where two moveable contacts are connected in series and operated simultaneously. In a bridge configuration, the load current flows from one stationary contact via the bridge to a second stationary contact (compare with twin contact) Main contact / Pre-contact Contact type with two decoupled points of contact on the movable springs. The forward contact, highly resistant to burn-up, e.g. tungsten, switches the current. The main contact, highly conductive, e.g. fine grain silver, conducts the current. The forward contact makes before the main contact and opens last. Reed contact unit A relay contact whose contact elements are formed by reeds that are partially or entirely made of magnetic material and that are moved directly by a magnetic force. Forcibly guided contacts Contact configuration in which break and make contacts within the complete spring set are never closed at the same time even with disturbances as a result of welding. Such relays are implemented in the control of safety technology for the protection against damage to persons or objects. |