Switching cycle

As a switching cycle or operation cycle in which is electrical the complete change of a switching state at an electrical switch back referred to the initial position, from the position off to A back to off or from A to from back to A .

The maximum number of switching operations that can be carried out under nominal load is stated before the wear and tear of the switching contacts has progressed to such an extent that reliable connection or disconnection can no longer be guaranteed. The maximum number of switching cycles or switching cycles is a statistic determined by the manufacturer.

An indication of the maximum number of switching cycles is only used for mechanical contacts such as relays and reed contacts . In the case of semiconductors , the number of switching cycles is theoretically unlimited.

Switching cycle must not be confused with the switching frequency , which indicates the number of switching operations that can be carried out per time interval .

literature

• Theodor Schmelcher: Handbook of Low Voltage, project planning information for switchgear, switchgear and distribution boards. 1st edition, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (Abt. Verlag), Berlin and Munich, 1982, ISBN 3-8009-1358-5