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I am envisaging a relay which switches an inductive load consisting of a couple of switched-mode power supplies (standard ATX computer power supplies) in addition to several wall-wart style power supplies powering other equipment. The total power consumption is about 600 W at 220 VAC. The exact nature of the load may vary over time as different equipment is substituted, but what I have described is the typical size and character of the load.

I've been reading about snubber designs and it seems that some combination of a RC snubber and/or a bidirectional TVS (Transorb/Tranzorb) diode in parallel with the load would be required. I'm not comfortable with the alternative design of snubbing in parallel with the contacts because I want zero current flow when the relay contacts are open. Something like the diagram in this application note for Driving and Relay and Contact Snubbing [PDF] is what I imagine.

First of all, what combination of snubber components is appropriate for my situation - RC network, TVS diode or maybe a MOV? Secondly how can I conservatively estimate the values and ratings of the required components to ensure that my relay contacts don't erode or weld?

Rob Smallshire
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1 Answers1

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The RC network's purpose is to provide a dampened path for the charge stored in the inductor. The MOV and TVS diode purposes' is to limit the high voltage that may appear. So they're complementary. Use both a RC network plus either the MOV or TVS.

I used 100 nF + 100 ohm for my loads for years and never had any problems so that's a couple of starting values.

Kristoffon
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  • Thank you. I'd noticed that 100 nF + 100 ohm appeared to be very common and a sort of default value for such RC networks, but I didn't want to jump the gun without being better informed. – Rob Smallshire Aug 17 '11 at 16:07
  • Can you provide any guidance on TVS selection? The 1.5KE series seems widely used. Given my 220 V RMS potential (which is 311 V peak) it looks like the 1.5KE400CA bidirectional TVS might work. It has a 342 V reverse stand-off voltage a ~400 V breakdown voltage, but its maximum peak pulse current is (only?) 2.8 A. Is that likely to be enough? Is there a simple way to determine this? – Rob Smallshire Aug 17 '11 at 16:35
  • @RobSmallshire Just to answer your question (for anyone else who may have it), you want to pay attention to three characteristics.

    A) TVS Peak pulse power rating > Max power of the relay's load B) TVS Max reverse standoff voltage > Relay's switching voltage (not Vrms, make sure to use PEAK voltage, ie (240Vrms = 340Vp) C) TVS Max clamping voltage < relay contact breakdown voltage

     – Andrew Martin Sep 28 '15 at 00:40
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    A TVS diode works to dampen the inductive energy with or without a RC snubber. The only difference is that the snubber is active when ANY AC voltage is across it, whereas a properly spec'd TVS only activates during an inductive spike event. Bottom line: The TVS by itself is OK for protecting the relay contacts. In fact, your solid state relays often have a sole TVS built-in. Just make sure it's sized properly. – Andrew Martin Sep 28 '15 at 00:45