The discussion focuses on practical ways to extend the trouble-free life of household electronics by cutting standby power, easing LED stress, and protecting relay contacts.
It recommends switched extension cords or plugs, external DC supplies for radio relays, lower LED drive current, series relay contacts, and current-limiting resistors in toys.
Specific values include 12V or 5V supplies for radio relays and a 150-500Ω series resistor for luminous toy LEDs.
Reducing idle hours can extend uptime and slightly cut energy use, but it does not prevent mechanical wear or failures in triacs and relays.
Some devices should stay powered, such as radio alarm clocks and appliances using delayed-start cycles, and water-fed appliances should have the supply valve closed when idle.
Is it practically possible for pairs of relay contacts to connect at the same time? In my opinion there will always be some time difference. And it will always be the contact that disconnects/connects faster that suffers more.
I am not an assembler, so the correct answer is: I did not assemble .
If you want to ask or point something out, then bang on directly. Just be aware of what might happen and whether you're sure you're ready for it
SSRs for higher currents have the option of being mounted on a heatsink and sometimes on a heatsink with a fan, so there is always something for something....
As usual in this section, the discussion is more interesting than the first post .
I heard this information about connecting the relay contacts in series from experienced maintainers,
when I dabbled in the subject they mentioned that this extends the life due to faster disconnection and somewhat like in a quench chamber the arc spreads over several elements.
I got curious about the discussion of parallel connection and the choice of whether one is more interested in the problem of connecting or disconnecting.
From the indications I have heard, it can be inferred that series connection was used for disconnection. It can also be inferred that inductive pickups may have been doing the problems.
Let's see if we can wring something meaningful out of AI.
@ElektrodaBot EMR relays contain mechanical components that wear out during switching cycles. The relay contacts can become progressively damaged during both switching and disconnection of the circuit. For loads with high inrush current, contact sticking may even occur. Disconnecting circuits with an inductive load can ignite an arc that degrades the contact surface. Can connecting the contacts of a relay with several sections in series or in parallel extend its life? With two types of loads capacitive and inductive, which series or parallel connection of contacts can benefit? What phenomena accompany the switching operations and the series and parallel connection of relay contacts?
(...) of a relay with several sections can extend its life? With two types of loads capacitive and inductive, which series or parallel connection of contacts can benefit? What phenomena accompany the switching operations and the series and parallel connection of the relay contacts?
Direct answer to the question . - For inductive loads (e.g. motors, transformers), connecting the individual contacts in a relay in series usually extends the life because it more effectively dissipates and extinguishes the electric arc on disconnection. - For capacitive loads (e.g. capacitors, switch-mode power supplies with high input capacitance), parallel connection usually brings more benefits as it spreads the current during switching, reducing local contact overloads. - An important addition is always the use of additional quenching circuits (e.g. RC circuits, diodes, varistors) to reduce sparking and arcing during switching.
Detailed problem analysis
Phenomena accompanying switching operations . 1. switching (contact closure): - With loads with high inrush current (e.g. induction motor or capacitance) there is a strong current surge. - When the contacts make contact, sparking occurs due to electrical charges filling the air gap. - An additional effect is the bounce phenomenon (contact bounce), which can result in multiple short ignitions and arc extinction during the switching phase.
2 Disconnection (contact opening): - An electric arc is produced, the length, temperature and energy of which depend, among other things, on the type of load and current. - In the case of inductive loads, the increasing self-induction voltage prolongs the existence of the arc, intensifying contact wear (erosion and oxidation of the material). - For capacitive loads, capacitors can discharge rapidly through the small gap between the contacts, generating sparking and accelerating contact surface degradation.
Serial contact connection . Operating principle - Several contacts in the main circuit disconnect the circuit at several points at once. The arc splits at multiple points, resulting in reduced energy per contact. 2 Advantages - Particularly advantageous when disconnecting inductive currents - breaking the arc into several smaller arcs allows it to be more easily extinguished. - Potentially slower wear of a single contact, because the arc energy is spatially distributed. 3 Disadvantages - Increase in the resultant resistance of the entire current path (series increases the number of contact points). - With capacitive loads it does not help to limit the inrush current and can increase sparking problems. - Requires some synchronisation and equal contact pressure across all contacts - the difference in their switching times can throw all the arc energy onto one contact and offset the advantages of the circuit.
Parallel contact connection . Operating principle - Current flows through several parallel paths, theoretically distributing evenly over several contact sections. 2. advantages - Smaller current load on a single pair of contacts, which helps with high inrush currents or current pulses (e.g. when charging capacitors). - Reduction in resultant resistance, beneficial for applications with high continuous currents. 3 Disadvantages - Uneven current distribution (even small differences in the resistance of individual tracks can cause one contact to be more heavily loaded). - When disconnecting an inductive circuit, the arc can focus on the contacts that will unseat first. As a result, only one of the contact pairs can be destroyed. - The arc is not stretched as effectively during the disconnection phase as in a series connection.
Supporting explanations and details . - The arc phenomenon is central to contact degradation. The high temperature in the arc region melts the surface layer and produces metal microspheres that can stick to the opposite contact, causing unevenness or even sticking. - By engaging additional quenching elements (e.g. diodes, RC circuits, varistors), the arc energy can be reduced. For DC or highly inductive circuits (e.g. solenoids), free-wheeling diodes or RC snubbers mounted in parallel to the contacts are often used.
Practical tips . 1. for inductive loads - Consider connecting the contacts in series to help effectively extinguish the arc. - Introduce a suppression circuit (RC or diode) to limit self-induction surges. - Check the relay's category of use (AC-3, AC-4, DC-13, etc.); in some critical applications, a contactor may be a better choice.
2. for capacitive loads - A parallel contact configuration can reduce the surge on switching by sharing the capacitor's instantaneous charging current. - A pre-charge resistor (known as an inrush current limiter) or an NTC thermistor can be used to mitigate the current surge. - Pay attention to the total capacitance and switching frequency, as even small discharges on disconnection can damage the relay over time.
3 Universal advice - Avoid exceeding the catalogue parameters (current, voltage, switching frequency) and always leave a certain reserve of switching power. - If switching cycles are very high or currents are above average, consider solid-state relays (SSRs) or contactors with a quench chamber. - In mixed applications (both inductive and capacitive nature), a parallel and series combination of contacts (if the relay allows it) including quenching circuits may be the optimal solution.
Summary - Connecting contact sections in series in a relay aids more efficient disconnection of inductive loads by dividing the arc of electricity into several points. - Parallel connection is generally more effective at high switching currents (e.g. capacitive loads), allowing the surge to be better distributed over several contacts. - In practice, the life of a relay is determined by many factors: the type of load, the switching frequency, the presence of quench circuits and the design of the contacts themselves (material, springing, category of use). - It is advisable to supplement the contact configuration with arc energy limiting elements (RCs, diodes, varistors) in order to significantly increase its lifetime.
Questions for user . - What current and voltage does your circuit operate at? - How often and under what conditions (e.g. temperature/environment) is the relay switched? - Is the load purely inductive or purely capacitive, or are we dealing with a hybrid (e.g. a motor with a power supply system of considerable capacitance)? - Is it acceptable to use additional suppression elements (e.g. RC snubber, diodes, varistor)?
The answers to these questions will help to clarify which approach - series or parallel (or perhaps a combination of both) - will be most beneficial and how to effectively extend the life of the relay in a particular application.
You can call me in any topic by writing @ElektrodaBot. Disclaimer: Some answers provided by the ElektrodaBot may be inaccurate. Elektroda not responsible for accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. All ElektrodaBot responses should be verified by the user. OpenAI can monitor and save information entered after calling ElektrodaBot.
Quite good AI combinations, even RC extinguishers were mentioned, as were contact reflections. Sensibly pointed out disadvantages of serial connection. Plus the relay application categories.
We don't wash every day and we don't wash every day. For years we have switched off the washing machine and dishwasher with a switch installed in a box under the countertop in an invisible place. The ELGOTECH ŁKD-2N-1 does the job.
When I was still a kid, I made my parents such a switch under the washing machine. Their old Amica still works to this day. I've already replaced the bearings, cupboards, heater and door lock. It doesn't want to rust it and it's worth repairing because the parts are cheap. I wonder how old it is . I currently have had the LG for 5 years and it is already rusting.
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"Combs" is the only accurate description I know of how GPT works. After playing with it for a few hours, I found the mechanism professionally useless in technology as factual support. He mixes facts with nonsense, allows himself to be stretched on questions with a thesis, If he doesn't know something, he just makes it all up. The most important thing is to give the impression that he knows everything and has a factual answer to everything, the rest is silence.
GPT is good for coding instead. No wonder, because programming is not knowledge but a technical algorithmic (monkey) skill. So writing a piece of something in some language we don't normally know - there is real support here.
You've heard of newag cleaning machines that have a service life of 250 hours and compulsory maintenance. After 250 hours it shuts down and that's it. I switch off all the electronics in the house..... except the kitchen. This gives tangible benefits.
Have you heard of newag cleaning machines having a service life of 250h and compulsory maintenance. After 250h it switches off and that's it. I switch off all the electronics in the house..... except the kitchen. This gives tangible benefits.
. I can't imagine the manufacturer switching off my machine during production. I also can't imagine setting the clocks in the equipment every day and waiting for the android on the TVs to start up.
Introducing 'weak links' or software forcing 'service' into machines and equipment is a typical ploy of many manufacturers today. I do not think it is possible to completely avoid being confronted with such situations. Hence, it is my assumption that we have this reality and such situations are unavoidable. You don't have to look far - yesterday my printer stopped printing because the meter "came to the conclusion" that it needed to replace the toner. Of course, it doesn't need to, because it could still work, but.... Marketing has planned it that way, so the average user of the equipment will simply buy new toner. This is just one of the typical situations where a manufacturer deliberately disables a tool or machine during production .
SSRs have the advantage and at the same time the disadvantage that they are semiconductors, and every semiconductor has a breakdown voltage. Using an SSR removes any electrical isolation in the event of an open valve. It is simpler to use a suitable NTC+ relay in a surge current resistant design. The relay itself does not wear out to the extent that it matters.
>>21446349 .
Or, for example, in Motorola phones, where the 'AI' learns charging patterns and, with a regular lifestyle, charges a phone plugged in at night to 80% and recharges the tip just before getting up.
I for one would be wary of switching off a TV or set-top box non-stop - the current surges when plugging it in - I'm more concerned about whether that would shorten the life than being constantly plugged in.
Many battery-powered devices use various methods to extend the life of the cells = to protect them from user stupidity. This is usually decent equipment. On the other hand, there are devices (mostly Chinese) competing with destructive charging speeds, to the delight of the unwitting owner. This is exactly the same as racing to megapixel cameras while using 'lenses' with an order of magnitude inferior resolution and other optical properties that cause the bottom to squeeze with grief.
Mobali wrote:
This is just one of the typical situations when during production the manufacturer intentionally disables a tool or machine
The printer for the Kowalski, often cheaper than the toner for it, is not a good example. It's a foregone conclusion that buying a machine that only makes money when you buy consumables and service it will. There's a reason why car companies give multi-year warranties - you make more money on forced servicing than on the car. At least until pandemi, this was the case.
Personally, I have not encountered a professional machine that stops definitively because of some counter.
Personally, I have not encountered a professional machine that stops definitively because of some counter.
EDM machines do this when the maintenance time counter is blatantly screwed over (yes ~2.5x and this is an undocumented feature) and one day fail to start with a Christmas tree of falsely serious errors about the death of the hardware. They just don't give themselves power on e.g. generator .
The service itself has admitted that this is to persuade you to just call for a service call before you make an overhaul of a linear bearing in a somewhat precision machine.
It's not a failure, and it's easily undone by manually resetting the counter and powercycle, but I personally block the operators from doing it, because the greedy @#$%& never let go of cutting out 0.5 workpieces (that's how long it takes for an automatic lubrication cycle, started with a single MDI command, or a button on the HMI).
And so once every couple of weeks he has to let that cycle go, because he pretty much won't make any money, and it will appear that it is only out of greed that there is machine downtime - and problem solved.
✨ The discussion addresses methods to extend the operational lifetime of electronic devices, focusing on reducing standby power consumption and preventing damage from power surges. Common practices include using switched extension cords or plugs to fully disconnect appliances like TVs, set-top boxes, washing machines, and microwaves, which do not require continuous power, thereby reducing idle hours and protecting power supplies. However, some devices such as radio alarm clocks, washing machines with delayed start, and printers with self-maintenance cycles benefit from continuous power. The impact of power supply types is noted: switching-mode power supplies may suffer from current surges during power cycling and sometimes last longer when continuously powered, whereas transformer-based supplies tolerate frequent switching better. The problem of planned obsolescence is highlighted, including software-imposed operational limits and forced maintenance cycles, which reduce device longevity. Protective measures include using mains filters, surge protection, and ensuring stable voltage supply, especially in grids affected by photovoltaic installations. Repair and maintenance tips include replacing low-quality film capacitors in transformerless power supplies with higher-quality capacitors from older CRT TVs, drilling ventilation holes in compact fluorescent bulbs, and repairing LED bulbs by removing burnt diodes. Relay contact configurations for extending relay life are discussed: series connection of contacts is beneficial for inductive loads to better extinguish arcs, while parallel contacts suit capacitive loads to distribute switching currents. The use of quenching circuits (RC, diodes, varistors) is recommended to reduce arcing. Solid State Relays (SSRs) offer advantages in frequent switching but have drawbacks such as voltage drop and heat generation. The discussion also touches on the negative effects of software updates on older hardware performance and the challenges posed by manufacturers' strategies to limit device lifespan through hardware and software design. Brands mentioned include SONY, LG, Brother, Amica, and Motorola. Models referenced include LG OLED TV and Brother printers, as well as the ELGOTECH ŁKD-2N-1 switch. Generated by the language model.
TL;DR: A simple 150–500Ω LED resistor mod and the rule "as long as it works, don’t switch it off" can both extend product life. This FAQ helps homeowners and electronics hobbyists decide when cutting standby power reduces failures, and when it actually blocks self-maintenance in printers, OLED TVs, and professional gear. [#21447213]
Why it matters: The thread shows that longer service life comes less from one universal trick and more from matching power, cooling, relay, and battery practices to the exact device.
Option
Best use case
Main benefit
Main downside
Switch off at strip
TVs, monitors, microwaves, idle appliances
Fewer standby hours under power
Clock reset, slower startup
Leave powered on
Brother printers, LG OLED TVs, pro equipment
Allows self-tests, cleaning, regeneration
Continuous standby draw
SSR relay
Frequent switching, vibration-heavy loads
No mechanical contacts
Voltage drop and heat
EMR relay + snubber
Inductive loads with proper suppression
Lower losses, familiar design
Contact wear and arcing
Key insight: Do not treat every device the same. Cutting standby helps simple consumer appliances, but devices with head cleaning, OLED compensation, or continuous-duty design should stay powered.
Quick Facts
The thread gives a concrete LED toy modification range of 150–500Ω for a series resistor, chosen by circuit and supply voltage, to cut LED current and extend battery life. [#21445674]
Radio relay modules discussed in the thread typically use 12V DC or, in newer versions, 5V DC supplies; external DC powering was described as more durable than onboard transformerless supplies. [#21445674]
Battery-life extension on lithium devices was tied to an 80% charge limit: you lose about 20% immediate capacity, but slow long-term capacity degradation. [#21446349]
One repair case covered 25–30 LED light sources upgraded by replacing an electrolytic capacitor and improving cooling, with long service life afterward. [#21445998]
Software-enforced maintenance can be hard limits, not warnings: one industrial example cited a shutdown after about 250 hours until service or counter reset. [#21468083]
How can I safely extend the life of TVs, set-top boxes, monitors, washing machines, dishwashers, and microwaves by switching them off at the power strip instead of leaving them on standby?
You can extend life by cutting power to simple idle appliances that do not need standby functions. Use a power strip with a switch or a plug with a built-in switch. Turn off water-fed appliances with a valve when unused to reduce flood risk. Do not use this method for delayed-start cycles or devices that must retain active maintenance functions. The trade-off is clear: fewer hours under voltage, but you may lose the clock and wait longer for startup. [#21445674]
Which devices actually should stay powered on all the time, such as Brother printers, LG OLED TVs, Smart TVs, or professional measurement equipment, and what maintenance tasks do they perform in standby?
Devices with built-in maintenance routines should stay powered. The thread names Brother printers, LG OLED TVs, some Smart TVs, and professional instruments such as spectrometers and chromatographs. Brother printers perform periodic self-maintenance, and LG OLED TVs run panel “regeneration” after set operating hours. Professional equipment may also perform startup checks and continuous-duty routines. A user also noted two home devices specifically not recommended for regular unplugging from 230V: a Brother printer and an LG OLED TV. [#21447787]
Why do some switch-mode power supplies fail right after being unplugged and plugged back in, even though the device worked fine when left powered continuously?
They can fail on the next start because aging capacitors still support operation when continuously energized but cannot survive a fresh startup surge. One thread example described a partly dried capacitor after the bridge rectifier: the device worked while powered, then only ticked or chirped after unplugging and reconnecting. Another pattern appeared after long storage without power, where old capacitors failed with “fireworks” on restart. This behavior was repeatedly tied to cost-cut input circuits and weak startup margins. [#21447213]
What is an SSR relay module, and how does it compare with a traditional EMR relay for extending service life in high-current or frequently switched loads?
“SSR relay module” is a solid-state switching device that replaces moving contacts with semiconductor elements, offering no mechanical contact wear but introducing voltage drop, heat, and surge sensitivity. In the thread, SSRs were presented as useful for frequent switching and vibration-heavy applications. Traditional EMR relays still fit many loads because they waste less power and keep galvanic separation through physical contacts. For higher-current SSRs, heatsinks or even fan-cooled heatsinks were mentioned as normal support hardware. [#21448977]
What is an RC snubber or quench circuit, and how does it protect relay contacts when switching inductive loads?
An RC snubber is a relay protection network that reduces arc energy when contacts open an inductive load. The thread’s AI summary explicitly listed RC circuits, diodes, and varistors as quenching elements. Their role is simple: limit self-induced voltage spikes, reduce sparking, and slow contact erosion during disconnection. This matters most with coils, motors, and other inductive loads, where the opening arc is the main life-limiting event. Using the right suppression network is safer than forcing relay contacts into improvised configurations. [#21448983]
Series vs parallel relay contacts: which connection helps more with inductive loads, capacitive loads, arc suppression, and overall relay lifespan?
Series contact connection helps more with inductive-load disconnection, while parallel connection helps more with capacitive inrush at switching. The thread’s AI summary linked series contacts to arc splitting during opening, and parallel contacts to sharing surge current when charging capacitive inputs. Several users challenged the practical value of series wiring, noting timing differences, welded contacts, and failure concentration on the fastest contact. The safest conclusion from the discussion is pragmatic: use the correct relay class and add suppression, instead of relying on contact tricks alone. [#21448983]
How do I reduce LED lamp failure by lowering LED current, replacing dried thermal paste, or changing electrolytic capacitors in ceiling lights and LED bulbs?
You reduce LED lamp failures by cutting heat and current stress. Lower the forced LED current where the driver design allows it; brightness drops, but service life rises. In serviceable ceiling lights, users reported dried or missing thermal paste on the pseudo-heatsink, so replacing it improved cooling. Another repair pattern was replacing a failed electrolytic capacitor in LED bulbs. One participant rebuilt about 25–30 lamps this way after discovering repeated early failures. The thread consistently treated heat, overdrive, and weak capacitors as the main killers. [#21445998]
What is the proper way to repair an LED bulb by locating a failed diode and shorting its pads, and what risks does this method involve?
The thread describes a fast repair, but it is a compromise, not a universal best practice. 1. Remove the bulb cover and locate the failed LED, identified by a small visible dot. 2. Remove the bad diode mechanically. 3. Solder across its pads to short that position. The reported time was about 2 minutes. The risk is clear: you change the LED chain’s electrical balance, and the remaining LEDs may run under altered stress. Use this only on repairable bulbs where access is easy. [#21446444]
How can I power radio relay modules more reliably from an external 12V or 5V DC supply instead of their built-in transformerless or switching power supply?
You can improve reliability by bypassing the onboard supply and feeding the relay electronics from a stable external DC source. The thread states that many radio relays use 12V DC, while newer ones often use 5V DC. One user reworked the power section, powered several modules from nearby 12V buffer power, and changed the case markings accordingly. He reported that using a transformer-based supply for a group of such devices significantly improved uptime. Space limits inside small modules remain the main practical obstacle. [#21445674]
Why do cheap transformerless power supplies in relay modules fail from capacitor or Zener diode problems, and what replacement parts improve longevity?
They fail because the weakest parts are usually the dropper capacitor and Zener diode. The thread specifically states that transformerless relay supplies often lose film-capacitor capacitance or suffer Zener damage. One repair strategy was to remove the original film capacitor and fit an older, higher-quality capacitor salvaged from CRT TV horizontal-deflection or converter circuits. That mod was said to make the supply effectively last “forever,” with later failures more likely in the electrolytic capacitor or Zener. Larger replacement size was the main fitting problem. [#21447831]
What practical methods help protect home electronics from unstable mains voltage caused by overloaded grids or PV installations?
Use cleaner, more stable mains power for valuable equipment. The thread recommends feeding expensive devices with “good” voltage because daytime PV overproduction can push mains voltage unusually high, while evening demand can pull it low. One user specifically suggested a simple isolation-and-stabilization stage to protect home electronics, especially against failures in the switching power supplies widely used today. Another user added mains filters and inrush-reduction systems for lower-quality power supplies as useful preventive measures. [#21445998]
How do EMI measurements with an AM radio, S-meter, or portable SDR help predict failing capacitors or aging inverters before a device breaks down?
Rising EMI can act as an early warning that inverter capacitors are aging. One participant said he tracks emitted interference and treats growth beyond the normal baseline as a sign that capacitor service time is near. He suggested AM reception across shortwave bands, with an RF attenuator and ideally an S-meter, to make changes easier to judge. He also recommended a portable SDR because it shows more than a simple noise increase. This method was presented as a practical predictor before hard failure occurs. [#21447287]
What charging habits really extend lithium battery life, such as limiting charge to 80% or using adaptive charging in Motorola phones?
Limiting maximum charge to 80% is the clearest battery-life tactic named in the thread. A participant stated that you lose about 20% immediate capacity, but extend the time before noticeable capacity degradation. Another example came from Motorola phones, where adaptive charging learns a night routine, holds the battery near 80%, and tops it off shortly before wake-up. The thread framed these features as manufacturer-provided protection against aggressive charging habits and premature wear. [#21499122]
Why do some printers, smart TVs, internet tuners, phones, and industrial machines become unusable because of software counters, blocked features, or end of support?
They become unusable because software, not hardware, sets the operating limit. The thread cites printers refusing to print when a toner counter says replacement is due, internet tuners in older devices failing after supplier support ends, Smart TVs losing app usefulness, and industrial equipment stopping after maintenance counters trip. One industrial example even described a shutdown around 250 hours. Several users treated this as deliberate product control: blocked service, locked features, and forced maintenance that survive even when the hardware still works. [#21468655]
How can I make battery-powered toys last longer by adding a 150-500 ohm resistor to LEDs or switching from disposable cells to Ni-MH or Li-ion rechargeables?
Add a series resistor to LED toys and move high-drain toys to rechargeables. The thread gives a practical resistor range of 150–500Ω, depending on circuit and supply voltage, to cut LED current, reduce battery drain, and slow LED damage. For motorized toys and game controllers, several users recommended accumulators instead of disposable cells, with Ni-MH and Li-ion both mentioned. One user called a basket of rechargeable batteries a must-have in homes with children and battery-powered toys. [#21447205]
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. I currently have had the LG for 5 years and it is already rusting.
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