If you work with electrical equipment in an industrial setting, overload relays are an important part of your machinery. Overload relays are switches installed on most electrical motors to shut them off in the event of a power overload or other electrical problem. Once you understand how overload relays work, you'll realize they are a safety feature your equipment can't live without.

From simple thermal overload relays to more complex solid state and electronic overload relays, these switches can safeguard your equipment's electric motors against many potential problems. By monitoring temperature changes and allowing for manual setting of trip levels and time delays, you can reduce or eliminate any down time due to motor burn-outs. When shopping for overload relays, consider the following:

1. Choose between thermal and solid state overload relays.

2. Select top overload relay manufacturers for products you can rely on.

3. Save money by shopping at a surplus overload relay distributor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy the right overload relays to get the protection you need

Whether you're looking for small or industrial overload relays, you can choose between more traditional thermal overload relays or solid state relays. If you want the slightly higher level of protection afforded by utilizing the electronic component of solid state overload relays, that's the way to go. However, if you're looking to spend less, choose thermal relays.

I recommend: Find a list of solid state overload relays available from FactoryMation, some at less than thirty dollars per relay. Visit Grainger to order from a selection of several thermal overload relays by well-known manufacturer Square D and enjoy same-day shipping.

Rely on top overload relay manufacturers for quality and dependability

Savvy business owners often like the comfort of going with recognizable manufacturer names when it comes to buying most equipment. For overload relays, some of the top manufacturers include Fuji, Siemens, Square D and Cutler Hammer. Protect your equipment from overloads with the best in the business.

I recommend: AutomationDirect offers a large inventory of overload relays manufactured by Fuji, from nine amp up to 360 amp for use on nearly any motor. Find a list of Cutler Hammer thermal overload relays manufactured by Eaton Corporation at PLCCenter.com, a division of Radwell International.

Shop surplus and save money on your overload relays

Some overload relay distributors get relays in bulk and pass the savings on to their customers. You can find several surplus providers who offer overload relays at well-below-normal prices. You won't forfeit quality when you shop surplus, as many of these overload relays are from top manufacturers.

I recommend: Shop at Electronic Surplus for many overload relays for under ten dollars. Find a long list of thermal overload relays, up to 90 amp, at Surplus Center. Choose from a wide variety of thermal and solid state overload relays at Electric Surplus Store.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying used overload relays if you're on a tight budget. You can find some used brand name overload relays from manufacturers like Fuji, Siemens, Square D and General Electric.