120 Volt Relay Wiring Diagram

Relays are electromagnetic switches that are used to control electrical circuits. They are used to switch circuits on or off and are often used in applications where a small voltage is used to control a larger voltage. A 120-volt relay wiring diagram is used in residential and commercial applications to control various electrical devices. These relays are used in a wide range of applications, including HVAC systems, lighting systems, and the control of pumps and motors.

What is a Relay?

A relay is an electrical switch that is operated by an electromagnet. When electricity is applied to the electromagnet, it creates a magnetic field that pulls the switch contacts together, allowing electricity to flow through the circuit. The switch contacts are normally open (NO), meaning that there is no continuity between them until the relay is activated. When the relay is activated, the switch contacts close, completing the circuit and allowing electricity to flow through the circuit.

Relays are typically used to control larger electrical circuits with smaller control circuits. For example, a 120-volt relay can be used to control a 240-volt circuit. The 120-volt circuit is the control circuit, and the 240-volt circuit is the load circuit. When the relay is activated, the 240-volt circuit is energized, and the load circuit turns on.

How to Wire a 120-Volt Relay

Wiring a 120-volt relay is a simple process that requires just a few basic tools. Follow the steps below to wire a 120-volt relay:

  1. Turn off the power to the circuit you will be working on.
  2. Locate the relay and open the cover to reveal the terminal connections.
  3. Attach the wires from the control circuit to the terminals on the relay that are labeled “coil.”
  4. Attach the wires from the load circuit to the terminals on the relay that are labeled “contacts.”
  5. Replace the cover on the relay and turn on the power to the circuit.

It is important to ensure that the wires are properly connected to the relay terminals to avoid damage to the relay or the electrical equipment being controlled.

120 Volt Relay Wiring Diagram

A 120-volt relay wiring diagram is a schematic diagram that shows the connections between the various components of a relay circuit. The diagram includes the relay itself, the control circuit, and the load circuit. The diagram also shows the various terminals on the relay and the connections between them.

Table 1: 120 Volt Relay Wiring Diagram
Terminal Label Description
1 Coil Control Circuit (+)
2 Coil Control Circuit (-)
3 NC Normally Closed Contact
4 NO Normally Open Contact
5 COM Common Contact

Table 1 shows the various terminals on a typical 120-volt relay and their corresponding labels and descriptions. The coil terminals are used to connect the control circuit to the relay, while the contact terminals are used to connect the load circuit to the relay.

FAQ

What is a 120-volt relay used for?

A 120-volt relay is used to control larger electrical circuits with smaller control circuits. For example, a 120-volt relay can be used to control a 240-volt circuit.

How does a relay work?

A relay is an electrical switch that is operated by an electromagnet. When electricity is applied to the electromagnet, it creates a magnetic field that pulls the switch contacts together, allowing electricity to flow through the circuit.

What is a normally closed contact?

A normally closed (NC) contact is a contact that is closed when the relay is not activated. When the relay is activated, the NC contact opens, and the normally open (NO) contact closes.

What is a normally open contact?

A normally open (NO) contact is a contact that is open when the relay is not activated. When the relay is activated, the NO contact closes, and the normally closed (NC) contact opens.

What is a common contact?

A common contact is a contact that is connected to both the NO and NC contacts. It is used to provide a common connection point for the load circuit.