Impulse relays

Impulse relays

Impulse relays (bistable or latching relays) are used in control panels, distribution boards, and building automation systems where a circuit must be toggled ON or OFF from multiple control points without continuous coil power. Engineers choose them to simplify multi-point lighting control wiring, reduce PLC output load, and latch auxiliary circuits in machine and HVAC panels.

Impulse relays
Contact type
Current(A)
Manufacturer
Voltage(V)
LQ612230
Code: LQ612230
On site: 5+ gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

33.97 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C30811
Code: A9C30811
On site: 3 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

19.67 EUR
17.70 EUR (w/o VAT)
LQAD1024
Code: LQAD1024
On site: 3 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

17.35 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C34811
Code: A9C34811
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

52.82 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C30112
Code: A9C30112
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

41.70 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C30115
Code: A9C30115
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 2 gab

49.97 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C30211
Code: A9C30211
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

28.90 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C30212
Code: A9C30212
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier:

33.66 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C30215
Code: A9C30215
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier:

53.99 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C30815
Code: A9C30815
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

41.89 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C30831
Code: A9C30831
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

41.01 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C33111
Code: A9C33111
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier:

49.37 EUR (w/o VAT)
A9C30812
Code: A9C30812
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

23.81 EUR (w/o VAT)
LQ540000
Code: LQ540000
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

54.33 EUR (w/o VAT)
LQ617048
Code: LQ617048
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

33.29 EUR (w/o VAT)
LQ611230
Code: LQ611230
On site: 0 gab On site: 0 gab

Supplier: 5+ gab

25.78 EUR (w/o VAT)
LQ612048
Code: LQ612048
On site: 0 pcs On site: 0 pcs

Supplier:

42.98 EUR (w/o VAT)

Bistable and latching relays for panel and lighting control

Impulse relays — also called bistable or latching relays — toggle their output state on each control pulse and hold that state with zero coil power. This category includes single-pole (1NO) and double-pole (2NO) versions for switching one or two independent circuits, modular DIN rail types for control panels and distribution boards, and electronic (solid-state) variants for high-cycle applications. Key brands stocked include Schneider Electric (Acti9 iTL), ABB, Siemens (5TT4), Finder (Series 13), Hager, and Legrand.

Typical applications include multi-point lighting control in industrial and commercial buildings, HVAC zone switching, conveyor section latching, load shedding in energy management systems, and auxiliary circuit control in machine panels — anywhere a held output state is needed without continuous coil energization.

Key technical selection criteria

  • Coil voltage: Must match your control circuit — common options are 12V DC, 24V AC/DC, 110V AC, 230V AC
  • Rated contact current: Typically 8A, 10A, 16A, or 20A; verify AC1 (resistive) or AC3 (inductive/motor) duty rating
  • Contact configuration: 1NO, 2NO, or versions with auxiliary NC contact for status feedback
  • Contact voltage rating: Up to 250V AC standard; confirm if switching 400V AC circuits
  • Minimum pulse duration: Typically 20–100 ms; too short a pulse may fail to toggle the relay
  • Mechanical life: 1–10 million operations for standard types; use electronic variants for high-frequency switching
  • Mounting: 35mm DIN rail (TS 35) is standard; check module width (17.5mm or 22.5mm) for panel layout

Comparison overview

TypeBest forTypical life
Electromechanical bistableStandard panel and lighting control100k–300k ops (electrical)
Electronic / solid-stateHigh-cycle or high-frequency switchingUp to 10M+ ops
Double-pole (2NO)Switching two circuits from one pulseSame as above by type

What is the difference between an impulse relay and a standard relay?

A standard relay requires continuous coil power to hold its state. An impulse relay toggles on each pulse and holds the state with no coil power — reducing energy use and control wiring complexity.

Can I drive an impulse relay directly from a PLC digital output?

Yes, if the PLC output voltage and current match the coil specification. Transistor outputs driving AC coil types may need a buffer relay between the PLC and the impulse relay.

How do I confirm the current switched state of a bistable relay?

Select a model with an auxiliary status contact wired back to a PLC input, or use a version with a mechanical position indicator window on the housing.

Which contact current rating do I need for switching motor or HVAC loads?

Use AC3-rated contacts for inductive loads such as motors and fan coil units. AC1 ratings apply to resistive loads only and will overstate capacity on inductive circuits.