The present invention is a variable control switch. In particular, it is a control switch with modifiable variables for activation and deactivation of primary and secondary devices. The control switch has an input plug and two output plugs. The control switch has a sensing circuit connected between the input plug and two output plugs and has an output comprising DC voltage varying proportionally to the current passing between said first and second output plugs. The sensing circuit is connected to a microcontroller unit that controls current to the first or second outputs based on a set of pre-determined variables, including a termination threshold.

A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

A slow-release relay circuit includes: a power storage circuit connected in parallel to a relay including a coil; a discharge circuit that releases electrical charge of the power storage circuit; and a timer circuit that, when detecting interruption of supply of power to the relay, drives the discharge circuit after a prescribed time.

A point-on-wave relay device includes a first contact relay and a second contact relay in series with the first contact relay. A first state of the first contact relay in conjunction with a first state of the second contact relay causes a point-on-wave open operation and second state of the first contact relay in conjunction with a second state of the second contact relay causes a point-on-wave close operation.

A point-on-wave relay device includes a first contact relay and a second contact relay in series with the first contact relay. A first state of the first contact relay in conjunction with a first state of the second contact relay causes a point-on-wave open operation and second state of the first contact relay in conjunction with a second state of the second contact relay causes a point-on-wave close operation.

A lighting relay panel may include lower-cost features or components related to improved safety and reliability. In some cases, the relay panel includes a power supply capable of protecting the panel from high-voltage and high-current transients. A microcontroller may determine a power interruption based on a zero-cross signal received from the power supply, and may also configure latching relays during the interruption. In some implementations, the relay panel includes a relay sense circuit that is capable of receiving actuation signals from multiple relays connected to different phases of a power signal, and the microcontroller may synchronize or repeat the actuations based on a signal from the relay sense circuit. The microcontroller may generate relay addresses based on the relay positions within the relay panel. In some cases, the relay panel may include isolation circuits that are capable of providing an isolated control signal having an improved voltage range.

A switching system for an electricity meter, an electricity meter with a switch system and a method of switching switch are provided. In order to improve lifetime of the switch the timing of outputting a switching signal is adjusted based on a time difference between previously outputting the switching signal and achieving a predefined switching state.

A switching system for an electricity meter, an electricity meter with a switch system and a method of switching switch are provided. In order to improve lifetime of the switch the timing of outputting a switching signal is adjusted based on a time difference between previously outputting the switching signal and achieving a predefined switching state.

A relay device includes a coil portion, a fixed contact, a spring, a moving contact and a drive circuit. The drive circuit controls the electromagnetic force of the coil portion to be a first electromagnetic force when switching the fixed contact and the moving contact in a contact state to a non-contact state. The drive circuit controls the electromagnetic force of the coil portion to be a second electromagnetic force that is larger than the first electromagnetic force after a lapse of a first time from start of control of the electromagnetic force of the coil portion to be the first electromagnetic force. The drive circuit controls the electromagnetic force of the coil portion to be reduced with time after a lapse of a second time from start of control of the electromagnetic force of the coil portion to be the second electromagnetic force.