finder: high performance relays
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It is widely acknowledged that there is an increasing demand for relays capable of handling high loads. Finder has developed a nearly universally applicable PCB relay to serve a large and rapidly growing market.
Whether it's photovoltaic systems, battery chargers, power generators, pump controls, inverters, elevators, or electric charging stations, all these applications require power relays. Towards the end of last year, Finder introduced the 68 series of relays to the market, aiming to set a new standard for PCB relays. Although the task may sound simple—reliably switching high loads—there is a significant amount of expertise involved in these components. There are two variants: the first variant provides 2 × 100 A switching capacity within a compact 52.2 × 52.5 × 57.5 mm³ (almost cubic) form factor. The second variant, of the same size, offers 4 × 40 A switching capacity along with a force-guided feedback contact of 2 A. "This is the logical evolution of our Series 67," explains Philipp Lazic, Head of Marketing and Communication at Finder.
The company has responded to market demands with these two variants to meet the growing need. This means that development aligns with the trend of integrating more power into the same form factor. This requires pushing the boundaries of electromechanical relays technologically, to the limits of what is physically achievable. With the 68 series, Finder has succeeded in developing a power relay that provides reserves for future requirements. It stands out due to lower power consumption and reduced heat dissipation. A typical application includes inverters in photovoltaic systems. In this scenario, the relay reliably switches high loads even when they are installed at higher elevations. The reason behind this is that electrical installations must meet specific isolation requirements at altitudes above 2000 meters, a criterion that is becoming increasingly important for PV components.
The new relay series offers advantages not only in photovoltaic applications or electromobility but also in common relay tasks in elevators, cranes, or power lines. "In essence, the relay can be used wherever high loads need to be switched," says Philipp Lazic. "Hence, we refer to it as a universal relay, addressing a very broad market." Thanks to numerous certifications, the relay series complies with important standards and safety requirements, enabling trouble-free use in various markets.
Here are the technical specifications:
The relay's rated voltage is from 400 V AC up to a maximum of 690 V AC. According to VDE 0126-1-1, EN 62109, and EN 62109-2, the contact opening is at least 3.6 mm. The electrical lifespan, in a switching category AC7a, amounts to 30,000 switching cycles. The coils have a holding power of 700 mW, making them highly sensitive for their performance class and form factor. The insulation between the coil and contacts is reinforced, and the contact material is cadmium-free.
What about delivery times and production security?
Unlike many competitors, Finder manufactures its relays 100 percent in Europe, allowing them to keep delivery times relatively short. "This European strategy benefits us greatly in times of high demand," explains Phillip Lazic. Thanks to the expansion of production capacities and ample stock, the company has been able to respond quickly to the increasing demand in the relay market. Phillip Lazic does not anticipate a downturn in business in the second half of 2022, as the high demand for relays remains strong, and Finder serves many booming markets.
Market uncertainties due to gas and energy issues? Finder is less affected by the market uncertainties arising from the gas and energy crisis than other manufacturing companies in Europe. Seventy percent of the total energy requirements for production come from their own sources. In addition to extensive photovoltaic arrays, the company has access to its own hydropower plant, which ensures the stability of production processes.
Whether it's photovoltaic systems, battery chargers, power generators, pump controls, inverters, elevators, or electric charging stations, all these applications require power relays. Towards the end of last year, Finder introduced the 68 series of relays to the market, aiming to set a new standard for PCB relays. Although the task may sound simple—reliably switching high loads—there is a significant amount of expertise involved in these components. There are two variants: the first variant provides 2 × 100 A switching capacity within a compact 52.2 × 52.5 × 57.5 mm³ (almost cubic) form factor. The second variant, of the same size, offers 4 × 40 A switching capacity along with a force-guided feedback contact of 2 A. "This is the logical evolution of our Series 67," explains Philipp Lazic, Head of Marketing and Communication at Finder.
The company has responded to market demands with these two variants to meet the growing need. This means that development aligns with the trend of integrating more power into the same form factor. This requires pushing the boundaries of electromechanical relays technologically, to the limits of what is physically achievable. With the 68 series, Finder has succeeded in developing a power relay that provides reserves for future requirements. It stands out due to lower power consumption and reduced heat dissipation. A typical application includes inverters in photovoltaic systems. In this scenario, the relay reliably switches high loads even when they are installed at higher elevations. The reason behind this is that electrical installations must meet specific isolation requirements at altitudes above 2000 meters, a criterion that is becoming increasingly important for PV components.
The new relay series offers advantages not only in photovoltaic applications or electromobility but also in common relay tasks in elevators, cranes, or power lines. "In essence, the relay can be used wherever high loads need to be switched," says Philipp Lazic. "Hence, we refer to it as a universal relay, addressing a very broad market." Thanks to numerous certifications, the relay series complies with important standards and safety requirements, enabling trouble-free use in various markets.
Here are the technical specifications:
The relay's rated voltage is from 400 V AC up to a maximum of 690 V AC. According to VDE 0126-1-1, EN 62109, and EN 62109-2, the contact opening is at least 3.6 mm. The electrical lifespan, in a switching category AC7a, amounts to 30,000 switching cycles. The coils have a holding power of 700 mW, making them highly sensitive for their performance class and form factor. The insulation between the coil and contacts is reinforced, and the contact material is cadmium-free.
What about delivery times and production security?
Unlike many competitors, Finder manufactures its relays 100 percent in Europe, allowing them to keep delivery times relatively short. "This European strategy benefits us greatly in times of high demand," explains Phillip Lazic. Thanks to the expansion of production capacities and ample stock, the company has been able to respond quickly to the increasing demand in the relay market. Phillip Lazic does not anticipate a downturn in business in the second half of 2022, as the high demand for relays remains strong, and Finder serves many booming markets.
Market uncertainties due to gas and energy issues? Finder is less affected by the market uncertainties arising from the gas and energy crisis than other manufacturing companies in Europe. Seventy percent of the total energy requirements for production come from their own sources. In addition to extensive photovoltaic arrays, the company has access to its own hydropower plant, which ensures the stability of production processes.
