WHAT ARE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS?

24 July 2023

Electrical components are fundamental elements of any electrical system. They provide the necessary functionality to control and protect circuits. These components are essential for the proper operation of all industrial equipment, from agricultural tractors to zero-emission forklifts. For this blog post, let’s delve into some of the most commonly used electrical components.
 

Contacts and contactors

Contacts are conductive elements that establish and interrupt the flow of electric current. They are commonly found in switches, relays, and contactors. Contacts are made from materials such as silver, copper, or other alloys with excellent electrical conductivity. When you apply an external force, like pressing a switch, the contact opens or closes to control the flow of electricity.

Contactors are specifically designed for switching heavy electrical loads. They consist of a coil, contacts, and an enclosure. Contactors are often used in industrial applications. They control motors, lighting systems, and power distribution circuits.

Electrical fuses and fuse holders

Electrical fuses are protective devices designed to interrupt the circuit in the event of an overload or short circuit. They contain a metal wire or strip that melts under excessive current. This action breaks the circuit, prevents damage to the electrical equipment and ensures safety.

Fuse holders hold the electrical fuse in place and provide a secure connection to the circuit. They are available in various types, such as cartridge, panel mount, or PCB fuse holders, to accommodate different fuse designs and mounting requirements.

Electrical switches, buttons, and parts

Electrical switches control the flow of electricity within a circuit. They turn devices on or off, change the direction of the current flows, or select different operating modes. Examples are the toggle switch, the rocker switch or the micro switch.

Buttons can be momentary and fixed switches. Pressing momentary buttons briefly activates specific functions. They are commonly used in applications requiring temporary control, such as control panels and horn buttons. Fixed buttons operate a range of features of the machine. Examples are emergency stop buttons and light switches.

Switches and buttons often require additional components, such as actuators and mounting accessories. They provide tactile feedback and ensure ease of use.

Relays

Relays use an electromagnet to remote-control the opening and closing of contacts. They allow low-power control signals to switch higher power circuits. This separates the control circuit from the load circuit. Relays are widely used in industrial equipment.

Sensors

Sensors detect and measure physical quantities such as temperature, motion, or proximity. They convert them into electrical signals used for various purposes, including monitoring, control, and automation.

Sensors play a vital role in multiple applications, from safety and environmental monitoring systems to advanced manufacturing processes. They enable collecting real-time data, facilitating accurate decision-making and system optimisation.

Dashboard controls

Dashboard controls are electrical components used in vehicles. They operate various functions, such as climate control, audio systems and lighting. These controls include knobs, buttons, switches, sliders, and touchscreens. They provide you with intuitive interfaces to interact with the vehicle's features.

FIND ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS YOU NEED AT TVH

We work with the best brands to offer you a wide range of electrical components. We offer parts from Albright, Bernstein, Bosch, Carling Technologies, Cobo, Crouzet, Elen, Honeywell, IFM, Microprecision, Omron, Panasonic, Parker, P&F, REMA, Schaltbau, Schmersal, Schneider Electric, SICK, Telemecanique, ZF Electronics, and more.

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