Effects of High-Temperature Environments on Relay Reed Deformation and Electrical Contact Performance

The reed of the relay provides contact pressure through its elastic deformation to ensure the reliable closing of the contacts. Under the coupling effect of continuous high temperature and mechanical stress, the reed material will soften and undergo plastic deformation, leading to the deterioration of its mechanical properties. This degradation of material properties directly affects the key electrical parameters of the relay, such as contact pressure and contact resistance, and further reduces its reliability. This study first analyzed the factors influencing contact pressure. By conducting high-temperature accelerated degradation experiments on reeds, it revealed the degradation laws of contact overtravel and contact pressure, as well as their correlation with reed adjustment amount and temperature. Experimental results show that the degradation amount of the reed is related to temperature and adjustment parameters. Based on the experimental data, a prediction model for the degradation of contact pressure is constructed. The aim is to accurately screen out potentially failed relays and improve their operational reliability.