LÜTZE Launches 22.5mm Four-Changeover 24-110V Railway Relay

WEINSTADT, GERMANY – LÜTZE TRANSPORTATION has expanded its railway component portfolio with a new four-changeover relay module. The new unit has a width of only 22.5 mm and is designed to operate across multiple on-board power systems, including 24 V, 36 V, 72 V, and 110 V. The module is delivered fully assembled under a single part number to reduce installation and storage costs.

What Are the Technical Specifications?

The module integrates four changeover contacts within a 22.5 mm housing, offering a compact alternative to larger contactors. It features two separate coil inputs with different activation thresholds: input A1.2 activates from 13 V for 24/36 V systems, while input A1.1 activates from 33 V for 72/110 V systems to prevent false triggering. The relay is permanently soldered to the PCB to eliminate contact problems from vibration (fretting corrosion), and its hard gold-plated contacts ensure reliable switching of low-load signals.

Key Technical Data

Where Does This Technology Stand in the Market?

The LÜTZE module’s primary competitive advantage is its high contact density in a narrow 22.5 mm profile. Competing products, such as Phoenix Contact’s RIF-1 series relay modules, typically offer a four-changeover contact configuration in a wider 27 mm housing (Source: Phoenix Contact, 2024). Similarly, Weidmüller’s D-SERIES relay solutions for comparable railway applications often exceed this width. The LÜTZE design’s permanently soldered relay also contrasts with common plug-in relay systems, trading field serviceability for enhanced vibration resistance, a critical factor in rolling stock applications.

Editor’s Analysis

LÜTZE’s launch of a space-saving, vibration-resistant component is timed to capitalize on the massive modernization of German railway infrastructure. With Germany planning to increase the number of rail construction sites to 28,000 in 2025 under a €500bn infrastructure fund, demand for high-reliability components for both new builds and retrofits is set to surge (Source: Financial Times, 2024). This product directly addresses the need for densification in modern rolling stock control cabinets, where physical space is at an absolute premium.

FAQ

Q: What specific problem does this dual-input coil design solve?
A: The dual-input design allows a single part number to be used across rolling stock with different on-board voltage systems, from 24 V to 110 V. This separation prevents false switching that can be caused by residual voltages on the lines.

Q: What is the main advantage of soldering the relay to the PCB?
A: Soldering the relay directly prevents micro-vibrations from causing fretting corrosion at the contact points between a relay and a socket. This increases long-term reliability and prevents high contact resistance and potential overheating common in high-vibration environments.

Q: Is this relay module intended for new trains or for retrofitting older ones?
A: The module’s compliance with modern standards like EN 50155 and the EN 45545-2 fire safety standard makes it suitable for new rolling stock. Its versatility and compact size also make it a viable option for upgrading and retrofitting existing control cabinets.