Pickering Electronics has released a new 20-kV reed relay within its established Series 63 range, expanding support for high-voltage testing environments including electric vehicle (EV) charge point testing, high-end cable testers, and high-voltage instrumentation.
This new relay is the first in its class to offer a 20-kV stand-off across switch contacts, with 12.5-kV switching capability at a maximum of 50 W. It’s designed to meet the increasing demands of precision high-voltage applications, particularly in sectors like EV infrastructure and advanced diagnostics where compact and reliable switching solutions are essential.
The relay features tungsten-plated contacts for extended operational life, rated for up to 100 million operations in cold switching conditions. Available in both Form A (energize-to-make) and Form B (energize-to-break) configurations, the relay also supports Form C (change-over) functions when combining Form A and Form B units.
Additional design features include compact PCB mounting, push-on HV connections with included insulating accessories, and optional electrostatic or earth screening for enhanced EMC protection.
With a maximum switch current of 3 Amps and a carry current of 3.5 Amps, the relay also incorporates an internal mu-metal magnetic screen, allowing side-by-side mounting of Form A types without magnetic interference. Coils are available in 24 V.
The new relay reflects continued advancements in high-voltage relay technology as applications in EV testing and high-voltage systems require increasingly compact, durable, and high-performance switching components.
Filed Under: Technology News