Abstract: In order to reduce acoustic noise, an electromagnetic relay (2) includes an insert or bump (20) located between the relay armature (4) and the relay core (8). The insert is flexible and can be mounted on the armature. The insert (20) reduces noise by decelerating the armature (4) at impact with the core (8). The armature (4) can be tilted relative to a surface of the core (8) so that the insert or bump (20) can be positioned away from the primary impact between the core and the armature.

Abstract: In order to reduce acoustic noise, an electromagnetic relay (2) includes an insert or bump (20) located between the relay armature (4) and the relay core (8). The insert is flexible and can be mounted on the armature. The insert (20) reduces noise by decelerating the armature (4) at impact with the core (8). The armature (4) can be tilted relative to a surface of the core (8) so that the insert or bump (20) can be positioned away from the primary impact between the core and the armature.

Abstract: Arcs are prevented as electrical connectors are unmated by including a long and a short contact in an electrical connector with both contacts being connected along the same line between an electrical source and a load. The short contact comprises the lower resistance path between the source and the load and so carries most of the current when the connectors are fully mated. An electronic component, such as an FET or a positive temperature coefficient resistor is connected to the long contact. As the short contact is disconnected, the electronic component initially carries sufficient current to prevent arcing at the short contact. Current through the electronic component decays rapidly so that when the long contact is subsequently disconnected, the electrical energy in the short contact is reduced below an arcing threshold.