[sdiy] (OT) help with DEC branded relays

[The Peasant]

Quoting Harry Bissell Jr <harrybissell at prodigy.net>:
> 
> A wide current range relay should be unnecessary as
> the
> current will 'sometimes' be quite high and this will
> maintain the relay contacts.  (so - disagree here ;^)

Well, for a small NAD amplifier, you are probably correct. I really don't like 
relays in the speaker circuit, although the speaker must be protected somehow. 
However, I do have some big mercury types that should work great!
 
> Most relays are specified for switching current, not
> carry current.  This relay is not required to switch
> while the signal is applied.  We can also look at the
> duty cycle of those high current peaks.  If they were
> 10% of the time, you could multiply the actual current
> by the square root of the actual duty cycle and get
> the rating you require. The relay contact could be
> rated at 
> roughly .316 of the applied current (a one amp relay
> could carry 3 amps at 10% duty).  Real crest factors
> are MUCH less...
> 
> ...unless they were mastered for maximum loudness :^P
 
Thanks for the clarification, Harry!

Take care,
Doug 
______________________
The Electronic Peasant

www.electronicpeasant.com