What is a Pilot Relay?

What is a Pilot Relay?

A small, low-power relay called a pilot relay is used to manage a larger, high-power relay (or) equipment.

It ensures safer and more dependable system operation by serving as a buffer between large loads and delicate control components (such as PLCs).

Adding a pilot relay could be the missing component when debugging a noisy control signal (or) attempting to drive a huge relay from a fragile PLC output, yet many experienced technicians continue to ignore it.

Why Pilot Relay is Important?

Whether you’re wiring a new control panel or upgrading an outdated system with electrical noise problems, adding a pilot relay can increase system reliability, help shield your gadgets from harm, or lessen electrical noise. Relays that don’t operate reliably shouldn’t be immediately attributed to the PLC.

Adding a pilot relay could potentially resolve the problem.

What makes a Pilot Relay useful?

  • Electrically isolates delicate PLCs or output chips from surges.
  • Matches voltage/current levels across devices.
  • Increases the lifespan of control circuit boards and outputs.
  • Amplifies weak control signals to activate massive loads.

Applications of Pilot Relay

Uses Pilot relays increase the stability and ease of maintenance of a variety of systems, including motor starters, brakes, valve relays, security systems, and elevator/escalator controllers.