Why Choose the Finder 55.14.9.012.5001 Gold-Plated 4PDT PCB Relay?
The Finder 55.14.9.012.5001 is a versatile 7 A, four-pole miniature electromechanical relay designed for reliable switching in industrial automation, electronic control systems and PCB-based equipment. Part of the established Finder 55 Series, this general-purpose relay combines a 12 V DC coil, four independent changeover contacts and gold-plated silver nickel (AgNi + Au) contact surfaces in a compact PCB-mounted component.
Featuring a 4PDT (four-pole double-throw / 4 CO) contact configuration, the Finder 55.14.9.012.5001 allows four separate circuits to be switched using a single control signal. Each changeover contact provides a common, normally open and normally closed connection, making the relay suitable for multi-circuit control, status signalling, electrical interlocking and general-purpose industrial switching.
This specific .5001 variant combines two important features: gold-plated AgNi contacts and RT III wash-tight construction. The gold-plated contact surfaces offer advantages for suitable low-level switching applications, while the wash-tight enclosure supports compatible PCB soldering and cleaning processes. Together with its 7 A rated contact current, 250 V AC rated contact voltage and 1 W DC coil, these characteristics make the Finder 55.14.9.012.5001 a practical choice for industrial engineers, PCB designers and OEM equipment manufacturers.
Key Advantages
- Four changeover contacts (4PDT / 4 CO) enable multiple circuits to be switched simultaneously.
- 12 V DC nominal coil for compatible low-voltage DC control systems.
- 7 A rated contact current for appropriately rated electrical loads.
- 250 V AC rated contact voltage supports industrial control and general-purpose switching.
- Gold-plated silver nickel contacts (AgNi + Au) provide enhanced contact surface characteristics for suitable low-level switching applications.
- RT III wash-tight protection supports compatible PCB manufacturing and cleaning processes.
- Four independent contact sets reduce the need for multiple separate relays.
- PCB through-hole mounting allows direct integration into electronic assemblies.
- Compact miniature housing helps conserve space in equipment designs.
- 1 W nominal DC coil consumption provides efficient electromagnetic operation.
- Monostable switching returns the contacts to their normal positions when coil power is removed.
- Cadmium-free contact construction supports modern electronic equipment requirements.
- −40 to +85 °C operating temperature range supports demanding industrial environments.
- Finder 55 Series compatibility makes the relay suitable for appropriately designed replacement and OEM applications.
Key Features
- Finder 55 Series miniature general-purpose relay.
- Type 55.14 four-pole PCB relay.
- 12 V DC nominal coil voltage.
- 4 CO / 4PDT contact configuration.
- Four independent changeover contact sets.
- 7 A rated contact current.
- 15 A maximum peak contact current, subject to specified conditions.
- 250 V AC rated contact voltage.
- 250 V AC maximum switching voltage.
- 1,750 VA rated resistive switching capacity (AC1).
- 350 VA rated inductive switching capacity (AC15 at 230 V AC).
- Gold-plated silver nickel (AgNi + Au) contacts.
- 140 Ω nominal coil resistance.
- Approximately 86 mA nominal coil current.
- 1 W nominal DC coil power.
- RT III wash-tight environmental protection.
- PCB through-hole solder-pin mounting.
- 14 electrical terminals.
- Approximately 9 ms operate time.
- Approximately 3 ms release time.
- 4 kV coil-to-contact impulse withstand voltage.
- −40 to +85 °C operating ambient temperature.
- Monostable electromechanical operation.
A distinguishing feature of the Finder 55.14.9.012.5001 is its silver nickel contact material with gold plating (AgNi + Au). This contact arrangement is designed to provide useful switching characteristics for applications where contact surface condition and electrical connection reliability are important.
Gold-plated contacts are particularly relevant to appropriately specified low-level control and signalling circuits, where contact resistance and surface contamination can influence switching performance. The gold layer provides a contact surface suited to such applications, although the permissible minimum switching load and contact behaviour depend on the manufacturer's specifications and the intended operating conditions.
For higher-current switching, engineers should consider the effect of electrical arcing and contact wear on the gold plating. Once a relay has been used for significant power switching, it should not automatically be assumed to retain the same low-level switching characteristics as an unused gold-plated contact.
The Finder 55.14.9.012.5001 combines these contact features with the established 7 A switching capability of the 55.14 relay family, making it a versatile choice for industrial equipment where different switching requirements must be carefully evaluated.
Four Independent Changeover Contacts in One Compact Relay
The 4PDT / 4 CO configuration allows the Finder 55.14.9.012.5001 to control four separate electrical circuits using a single 12 V DC coil. Each contact set contains a common terminal, a normally closed terminal and a normally open terminal.
When the coil is energised, the common contacts transfer from their normally closed connections to their normally open connections. When coil power is removed, the contacts return to their original positions. This arrangement supports simultaneous control of multiple loads, auxiliary switching, status signalling and changeover functions.
Using one four-pole relay can simplify equipment design compared with using several individual single-pole relays. It can reduce the number of separate components required and provide coordinated contact operation, although the individual contact sets must still be used within their specified electrical ratings.
RT III Wash-Tight Construction for Electronic Assemblies
The .5001 version features RT III wash-tight environmental protection. This construction is designed for compatible PCB manufacturing processes where soldering and subsequent cleaning may be required.
The relay's through-hole solder terminals allow direct installation into printed circuit boards, making it suitable for OEM electronic assemblies and industrial control modules. The wash-tight design helps protect the relay during specified cleaning processes, but it does not mean the relay is suitable for unrestricted exposure to water or for installation outside an appropriate electrical enclosure.
Manufacturers should follow Finder's soldering, cleaning and drying recommendations to preserve the relay's electrical and mechanical characteristics. The exact PCB footprint and terminal arrangement should also be verified before production.
Efficient 12 V DC Electromechanical Control
The 12 V DC coil makes the Finder 55.14.9.012.5001 suitable for compatible DC-powered industrial control systems. With a nominal resistance of approximately 140 Ω, the coil draws around 86 mA at its rated voltage, corresponding to approximately 1 W of power consumption.
The relay is monostable, meaning it returns to its normal contact positions when the coil is de-energised. Typical operating and release times of approximately 9 ms and 3 ms support responsive electromechanical control in suitable applications.
When designing the coil drive circuit, engineers should consider appropriate transient suppression. Suppression components can reduce voltage spikes when the coil is switched off, but they may also affect the release time of the relay.
Typical Applications
- Industrial automation and machine control equipment.
- PCB-based electronic control assemblies.
- Low-level signalling and monitoring circuits.
- Multi-circuit switching and auxiliary control.
- Industrial equipment status indication.
- Electrical control panels and automation interfaces.
- Building management and lighting control equipment.
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls.
- Process monitoring and control equipment.
- Electrical interlocking and changeover circuits.
- OEM electronic equipment manufacturing.
- Industrial test and measurement equipment.
- Automated machinery and production systems.
- Electronic assemblies requiring wash-tight relay construction.
- Replacement of compatible Finder 55.14 gold-plated PCB relays.
