Why Choose the ABB E290-16-20/12 Latching Relay?
The ABB E290-16-20/12 is a compact and reliable electromechanical latching relay designed for energy-efficient switching of lighting and other compatible electrical loads. As part of the ABB E290 latching relay series, it combines a 16 A rated current with two normally open contacts and a 12 V AC control coil.
Unlike a conventional monostable relay, the E290 uses an impulse-operated mechanical latching mechanism. Each brief control pulse changes the contact state, after which the contacts remain mechanically latched without continuous coil energisation until the next impulse is received. This operating principle provides efficient switching and makes the relay particularly suitable for lighting circuits controlled from multiple normally open push-buttons.
With a 16 A rated current, 250 V AC rated operational voltage, 12 V AC control voltage and 2NO contact configuration, the E290-16-20/12 provides two normally open switching paths for residential, commercial, public-building and industrial installations. Its compact 18 mm DIN rail format enables straightforward integration into modular distribution boards and control panels.
Key Advantages
- Energy-efficient electromechanical latching relay operated by brief control impulses.
- 16 A rated current for switching compatible electrical loads.
- Two normally open (2NO) contacts provide two switching paths.
- 12 V AC control coil suitable for low-voltage AC control circuits.
- Mechanical latching retains the contact state without continuous coil energisation.
- Front operating lever enables manual operation and indicates the contact state.
- Compact 18 mm DIN rail format conserves distribution-board space.
Key Features
- ABB E290 electromechanical latching relay series.
- 16 A rated current.
- 2NO main contact configuration.
- 250 V AC rated operational voltage.
- 12 V AC control voltage.
- 50 Hz rated frequency.
- 0.64 W power loss.
- 4 kV rated impulse withstand voltage.
- Impulse-operated mechanical latching mechanism.
- Manual operating lever with contact-state indication.
- DIN rail mounting with an 18 mm module width.
Energy-Efficient Impulse Switching for Lighting Control
Latching relays such as the ABB E290-16-20/12 change their contact state each time an electrical impulse is applied to the control coil. The coil is energised only briefly, while the internal mechanical mechanism holds the contacts securely in their new position until the next control impulse is received.
This switching principle is particularly useful where lighting needs to be controlled from several locations using normally open push-buttons. The E290-16-20/12 combines two normally open contacts, a 16 A rating and 12 V AC control, making it a practical solution for residential, commercial, public-building and industrial electrical installations.
Typical Applications
- Multi-point lighting control systems.
- Staircase and corridor lighting.
- Residential electrical installations.
- Commercial and public building lighting.
- Factory and industrial lighting systems.
- DIN rail distribution boards and control panels.
