Relay Sockets

A relay socket is the base part that carries the pins of a plug-in relay to screw or spring terminals and fixes the relay to the DIN rail or mounting plate. Because the wires connect to the socket, a failed relay is removed and a new one is installed without disconnecting any wire; intermediate relays on PLC outputs and control circuits are the main places of use. This category includes sockets with 8, 11 and 14 pins, 1CO, 2CO, 3CO and 4CO contact arrangements, 10 A, 12 A and 16 A current ratings, and screw and push-in connection, from brands such as Schneider Electric, ABB, Finder and Molwex. Select the socket first according to the brand and series of the relay, then according to the number of pins and pin layout, the number of contacts, the rated current, and the screw or push-in connection type. The current rating of the socket and the contact current of the relay may differ; in the circuit, the smaller value is the limiting one. Round-pin and blade-pin sockets with the same number of pins are not interchangeable; even when the pin count is equal, the base layout is different, so check the manufacturer's relay-socket matching table.

Products

How to choose Relay Sockets

A relay socket is the base part that carries the pins of a plug-in relay to screw or spring terminals and fixes the relay to the DIN rail or mounting plate. Because the wires connect to the socket, a failed relay is removed and a new one is installed without disconnecting any wire; intermediate relays on PLC outputs and control circuits are the main places of use.

  • Separate sensing, motion control, logic processing and operator interface requirements.
  • Select signal type, supply voltage, communication protocol and I/O count for the machine network.
  • Verify housing size, sensing distance and PNP/NPN output polarity against the PLC input card.

Frequently asked questions

What is Relay Sockets and where is it used?

A relay socket is the base part that carries the pins of a plug-in relay to screw or spring terminals and fixes the relay to the DIN rail or mounting plate. Because the wires connect to the socket, a failed relay is removed and a new one is installed without disconnecting any wire; intermediate relays on PLC outputs and control circuits are the main places of use.

What should I compare when choosing Relay Sockets?

Select the socket first according to the brand and series of the relay, then according to the number of pins and pin layout, the number of contacts, the rated current, and the screw or push-in connection type.

Where can I find technical details for Relay Sockets products?

Round-pin and blade-pin sockets with the same number of pins are not interchangeable; even when the pin count is equal, the base layout is different, so check the manufacturer's relay-socket matching table.

Relay Sockets Selection Guide: Technical Criteria and Engineering Practice