Can't switch Reed Relay

Hi,

I want to switch the following relay TE JWD-107-5 (data sheet is attached) with an Arduino but the switch stays allways closed. Does the Arduino fail to deliver enough current to switch the relay? What could I do to fix it?

Best,
math

ENG_DS_1308242_JWD-JWS_0712.pdf (405 KB)

I wish these data sheet writers would learn to write better data sheets.

I am guessing that the coil power of 50/75 mW is the "hold" and "switch" ratings. If so, at 5V, the coil should draw about 14mA while switching, and less while holding. So, that should be perfectly within bounds of the Arduino.

However, it seems that specific model has a built-in flyback diode.

Do you have it connected up the right way to the Arduino? If it is backwards, then you will be bypassing the coil through the diode and nothing at all will happen.

I think I connected it the right way.

Pin 2 ist connected to 2/13 of the relais and GND is connected to 6/9. Then I switch Pin 2 between low and high every second but nothing happens.

math_new:
I think I connected it the right way.

Pin 2 ist connected to 2/13 of the relais and GND is connected to 6/9. Then I switch Pin 2 between low and high every second but nothing happens.

Yep, that looks like the right way of connecting it.

Have you tried disconnecting pin 2 and connecting it instead to +5v to check it switches manually?

oh, that works. What could be the problem?

math_new:
oh, that works. What could be the problem?

Ok, have you checked that the output is actually changing HIGH/LOW every second?

Yes, checked it, but what I notice is that the LED is much brighter if it's connected directly to 5V than if it's connected to the digital Output...

Are you sure you used the pinMode command to put the pin in question into output pin mode? That's a pretty common mistake for beginners to make.

Lefty

forgot it, fixed it, but still the relay doesn't switch.

Btw. the 3,3V output is not switching the relay. I have an Arduino UNO. There should be 5V at the digital outputs, right?

Ok, new findings :slight_smile:

If I connect the relay manually to 5V the relay doesn't switch but the whole Arduino gets switched off. So it seems to suck too much power?!

math_new:
Ok, new findings :slight_smile:

If I connect the relay manually to 5V the relay doesn't switch but the whole Arduino gets switched off. So it seems to suck too much power?!

That sounds like you are causing a short circuit. Are you certain you have it the right way round?

hm, thought it should be right but the schematic seems to be the other way round than I thought. Now everything is working :slight_smile:

So the problem was:

  1. Relay connected the wring way
  2. pinMode to Output forgotten

Big thanks to all of you!

math_new:
hm, thought it should be right but the schematic seems to be the other way round than I thought. Now everything is working :slight_smile:

So the problem was:

  1. Relay connected the wring way
  2. pinMode to Output forgotten

Big thanks to all of you!

And that is why we almost always ask if a poster having a problem can post both their sketch code and an accurate drawing of their wiring. The solution is almost always very simple as most of the common mistakes in coding and wiring have been made before by many other beginners.

On your problem #1, the relay wasn't wired the wrong way, as DC relays work with either polarity, but it was the diode wired backwards which created a short circuit condition.

Lefty