Abstract: A relay arcing protection arrangement for a relay of a type including an electromagnetic coil adapted to be connected to a control circuit and effect an opening or closing of at least two electrically conducting contactors in response to a transition signal from the control circuit, including electronic circuit means to detect arcing across the contactors, and to effect activation of a solid state current connection means providing a parallel current pathway to the electrical connectors when arcing is detected during such a selected period of time after activation.