Thermal Overload Relays

Protect your motor from dangerous overloads.

If your motor circuits can’t stand the heat, it’s time to get a thermal overload relay. Thermal overload relays are some of the most popular types of relays in the industry. As opposed to electronic relays, they utilize a heat detection mechanism to open up circuits in case of an overload. When the heating element inside the relay experiences a dramatic thermal increase, it will subsequently bend the bimetallic strip thus opening up and breaking the circuit, preventing the motor from any overload damage. Thermal overload relays can then be reset either manually or automatically. Used throughout a number of sectors, thermal overload relays are found in HVAC systems, mining systems, pumping systems and irrigation systems among others.

As cost-effective as they are reliable.

Thermal overload relays are known to be extremely reliable, and provide a high level of protection. IEC relays in particular are also equipped to protect against phase failure, also known as single phasing. This occurs when one of the phases in a 3 phase system is lost and can be due to worn out contacts, defective wiring, and other conditions. This places an excessive amount of stress on the remaining two contacts and can result in serious damage if gone undetected. Thermal overload relays can be equipped with mechanisms that prevent single phasing, protecting both you and your motor from damage.