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FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Siemens relays and Siemens connectors – answered concisely for you.
General questions about the Siemens relay
01 What is a Siemens relay?
A relay from Siemens AG is an electrically operated switch used for controlling, monitoring and galvanic isolation of electrical circuits.
02 What types of Siemens relays are there?
Siemens offers, among other things, coupling relays, time relays, safety relays, monitoring relays, load relays and interface relays.
03 In which industries are Siemens relays used?
Typical areas of application include mechanical engineering, building automation, energy supply, process industry, traffic engineering and control cabinet construction.
04 What significance does Siemens have for industrial communication technology?
Siemens is one of the world's leading providers of industrial automation and network technology.
05 Who still manufactures original Siemens relays?
Siemens itself has discontinued production of several electromechanical relay series, including the KAMMRELAIS® (Cradle Relay). TE Connectivity has also ceased its exclusive distribution of these relays. The EBK Group is the official manufacturer of this original Siemens relay series and has been producing it since 1997 as part of a management buyout, using the original production facilities and adhering to the quality assurance processes developed by Siemens. Therefore, anyone needing an original KAMMRELAIS® today will continue to receive it from current production – not from remaining stock.
06 Is my discontinued railway relay still available?
In many cases, yes. Relays are often considered "obsolete" because the original manufacturer has ceased production – however, they often remain in use in signal boxes and railway systems for decades. The EBK Group continues to produce such components for railway technology and critical infrastructure, even in batch sizes of one, or reconstructs them through reverse engineering if no original documentation is available. The type designation (e.g., V23054, V23154, V23003) quickly clarifies whether continued production is possible.
07 Original vs. EBK relay – what is the difference?
Technically, there is no difference: The "EBK relay" is not a copy, but the original Siemens KAMMRELAIS®, manufactured on the same equipment and according to the same processes and quality standards originally developed by Siemens. The difference lies not in the product, but in the manufacturer: EBK took over production in 1997 as part of a management buyout and has continued it unchanged ever since. Customers thus receive exactly the same component they know from Siemens – with guaranteed long-term availability instead of being discontinued.
08 Who offers reverse engineering for industrial relays?
The EBK Group offers reverse engineering for electromechanical components for which the original documentation, tools, or suppliers are no longer available. Based on sample parts or existing residual documentation, EBK reconstructs the design, manufacturing process, and testing equipment to ensure structural and functional equivalence. This process is primarily used for discontinued industrial and railway relays for which no alternative source exists.
Technical questions about the Siemens relay
01 How does a Siemens relay work in detail?
When a voltage is applied to the relay coil, a magnetic field is generated. This moves an armature, which actuates the switching contacts. This opens or closes a separate electrical circuit. When the voltage is removed, a spring returns the armature to its starting position.
02 What switching voltages do Siemens relays support?
Depending on the series, relays can be designed for low voltages from a few volts up to several hundred volts AC or DC.
03 What does galvanic isolation mean in a relay?
Galvanic isolation prevents a direct electrical connection between the control and load circuits, thereby increasing operational reliability.
04 How is the lifespan of a Siemens relay specified?
Lifespan is usually specified in electrical and mechanical switching cycles.
05 What types of protection do Siemens relays offer?
The degree of protection depends on the specific design and installation location. Many relays are intended for use in protected control cabinets.
06 Can Siemens relays be used in safety-critical applications?
Yes, special safety relays meet functional safety requirements and support safety concepts according to relevant standards.
07 What types of contact are available?
· Closer
• Opener
• Changer
Application questions
01 How are Siemens relays used in PLC systems?
They are often used for potential isolation, signal amplification, or switching larger loads via PLC outputs.
02 When should a relay be used instead of a contactor?
Relays are particularly suitable for smaller loads and signal processing, while contactors are designed for higher power applications.
03 Can Siemens relays be used for motor control?
Yes, depending on switching capacity and application, relays can be used to control motors or motor contactors.
Manufacturer and history
01 Since when has Siemens been producing relay technology?
The development of electromechanical switching technology has been part of Siemens AG's portfolio for many decades and dates back to the company's early electrification phase.
02 Which relay product lines are particularly well-known?
Well-known product families include, for example, the relay solutions within Siemens' automation portfolio, including the SIRIUS series.
03 What advantages do original Siemens relays offer compared to imitations?
Original products offer documented quality standards, approvals, long-term availability, and manufacturer support.
General questions about Siemens connectors
01 What are Siemens connectors?
Siemens AG connectors enable the detachable electrical, electronic or data-based connection of devices and systems.
02 Where are Siemens connectors used?
They are used in industrial automation, drive technology, energy technology, building technology and network technology.
03 What types of connectors does Siemens offer?
This includes industrial Ethernet connectors, PROFINET connectors, M12 connectors, signal connectors and power connectors.
04 What types of protection do Siemens connectors support?
Many industrial connectors meet protection classes such as IP65, IP67 or IP69K.
05 Can connectors be used outdoors?
Yes, provided they are designed for appropriate environmental conditions and protection levels.
06 Why are industrial connectors preferred over hardwiring?
They enable faster installation, maintenance, and easy replacement of components.
07 How can downtime caused by connectors be reduced?
Standardized connections allow devices to be replaced or expanded more quickly.
08 What role do Siemens connectors play in Industry 4.0?
They ensure reliable data and energy connections between sensors, actuators and control systems.
9. What significance does Siemens have for industrial communication technology?
Siemens is one of the world's leading providers of industrial automation and network technology.
10 Why do companies rely on Siemens connectors?
Key reasons include compatibility, reliability, global availability, and integration into existing Siemens automation systems.
11. How long are Siemens connectors typically available?
Siemens industrial products are often available for many years to support long-term plant concepts.