Relay mechanical noise level - (video)

[timrobertson100]

Hi folks

This is my first use of a relay, so before wiring in the signal board, I wanted to test it.
It's getting a clean 12V supply and it works, but I'm surprised at the level of mechanical noise. A quick video is attached - for reference, it's louder than you hear toggling the manual switch on the front.

The relay I bought is this Finder one which I see is rated up to 2A at 230VAC.
I hadn't paid enough attention when ordering and see there is a Fujitsu "signal" one which is rated at 0.5A at 120VAC.

I guess I bought one intended to switch power circuits and not signals - before I order anew are the relays rated at lower power much quieter, please?

Thank you

[Stevem]

The noise level a relay makes when closing has nothing to do with the current and voltage rating that it's closed contacts can handle.

I have found that if you have a ton of extra current on hand then what the coil of the relay needs to close itself then the hand clap of that action will be louder maybe then it should.

[martin manning]

The Omron relays commonly used in The Dumble circuits as described here are pretty quiet, hard to hear over the noise of the rear panel mini toggle switches.

[timrobertson100]

The noise level a relay makes when closing has nothing to do with the current and voltage rating that it's closed contacts can handle.

I have found that if you have a ton of extra current on hand then what the coil of the relay needs to close itself then the hand clap of that action will be louder maybe then it should.

Thanks Steve - that is very helpful to know.
I'm powering the relay using the typical Dumble circuit, but at 12V, driven from a spare 8VAC winding I have, and the foot and toggle switch just make or break the ground connection.

Is there anything you'd suggest changing, or is this pretty much what is expected, please?

[timrobertson100]

The Omron relays commonly used in The Dumble circuits as described here are pretty quiet, hard to hear over the noise of the rear panel mini toggle switches.

Thanks, Martin (I was writing as you posted). I know this will be quieter when it's all buttoned up but it just seemed (to this relay newbie) unexpectedly loud.

Maybe I'll add some Omron's on my next order and experiment.

[sluckey]

The noise level a relay makes when closing has nothing to do with the current and voltage rating that it's closed contacts can handle.

Sure it does. High current rating for contacts means the contacts must be physically larger. The bigger mass of the contacts requires a bigger armature. Bigger armature makes more noise when closing. For extreme example, the 30 amp contactor in your A/C compressor circuit make a very noticable "clunk", while small signal relays are hardly audible.

[R.G.]

Reed relays are essentially silent, although they are expensive and hard to find in SPDT, even harder to find in DPDT. Not a leading choice, but available.

Relays noted as "low signal" are physically smaller, and likelier to be mechanically quiet. I have used the Panasonic TQ2 series, the Kemet EA-2 series, and the Fujitsu FTR series in my prototypes and in commercial effects. These are all in a 10 pin, low profile package that is about half the size of the one you're using. These are very quiet, and usually inaudible inside a metal box.

[GAStan]

The Omron relays commonly used in The Dumble circuits as described here are pretty quiet, hard to hear over the noise of the rear panel mini toggle switches.

Thanks, Martin (I was writing as you posted). I know this will be quieter when it's all buttoned up but it just seemed (to this relay newbie) unexpectedly loud.

Maybe I'll add some Omron's on my next order and experiment.

+1 for the Omron. These are very quiet and I have used this brand for years in industrial applications with very reliable results.

That said I would have no issue with putting the Fujitsu relay you linked to in my amp. The specs are similar to the Omron.

[timrobertson100]

Thanks Glenn, RG, Sluckey

I’ll replace this with a different type down the line then.

[Stevem]

Great point Sluckey!

Never looked at it like that.