IEC 61811 is an international standard that defines the requirements for power relays, essential components in electrical and power systems. This standard, developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), provides guidelines for the design, performance, testing, and application of power relays. Power relays are crucial for controlling and protecting electrical circuits by switching electrical connections, which are often used in automation, protection systems, and industrial equipment.

What is IEC 61811 Power Relay? IEC 61811 outlines the technical criteria that power relays must meet to ensure they operate reliably in various environments and conditions. This includes not only their mechanical and electrical properties but also their environmental resistance and overall safety features. The standard covers a wide range of power relay types, such as electromagnetic, solid-state, and hybrid relays, all of which serve the same basic function： controlling the flow of electrical energy by opening or closing contacts in a circuit. The standard helps manufacturers design and test power relays to ensure they will work under the expected operational conditions without failure. It sets out the performance characteristics that must be achieved during use and specifies the necessary tests to confirm that the relays meet these requirements.