About Relays Representations

There are two different ways to create relays diagrams. Depending on the type of diagram to be created, the relay and its content are not represented the same way.

This page discusses:

Wiring Diagrams

In wiring diagrams, the relay is fully represented with the contacts and the operating device. In the diagram view, the following elements are represented:

  • The relay
  • The contacts
  • The operating device also known as coil


Electrotechnical Diagrams

In electrotechnical diagrams, the relay itself is not represented. Only the contacts and the operating device are represented. In the diagram view, the following elements are represented:

  • The contacts
  • The operating device
  • The contacts grid


Representation of Relay Components

The contact component can contain up to three symbols:

SymbolTo be inserted in
Contact symbolelectrotechnical diagrams
Contacts grid symbolelectrotechnical diagrams
Contact symbol to be inserted in a relay symbolwiring diagrams

The operating device component can contain up to three symbols:

SymbolTo be inserted in
Operating device symbol electrotechnical diagrams
Contacts grid symbol electrotechnical diagrams
Operating device symbol to be inserted in a relay symbolwiring diagrams

Catalog of Components for Relays and Contacts

You can retrieve components for relays and their content in the Electrical Equipment Catalog (IEC library).

The Components chapter provides components to design relays and contacts.

Each object from the Relay contacts and Relay operating devices chapters contains three objects:

  • a symbol for contacts in electrotechnical diagrams
  • a symbol for contact representation used in the contacts grid in electrotechnical diagrams
  • a symbol for contacts in wiring diagrams