Testing industrial relays is a crucial maintenance task to ensure that machinery and control systems are functioning properly. Relays are electrical devices used to control the flow of electricity by using an electromagnet to open or close circuits. A malfunctioning relay can cause a failure in a machine or system, leading to downtime or even damage. Fortunately, testing industrial relays with a multimeter is a simple and effective way to check their functionality. In this article, we will guide you through the steps involved in testing industrial relays using a multimeter.

Understanding the Basics of an Industrial Relay Before diving into the testing process, it’s important to understand the basic components of an industrial relay. An industrial relay typically consists of: Coil (Electromagnet): When energized, it generates a magnetic field that pulls a set of contacts, causing them to open or close. Contacts: These are the electrical contacts that either close (normally open, NO) or open (normally closed, NC) depending on whether the relay is energized. Armature: A movable part that is attracted by the magnetic field of the coil, thereby operating the contacts.