An extensive general technical section provides background information on reference standards, terminology and definitions, along with technical reference data. This section has been expanded considerably in this latest edition to include, in particular, extended contact load classification relating to relay usage, and an additional table giving horsepower (hp) and pilot duty. New guidelines regarding switching and reversing single phase (capacitor start) motors and three phase motors has been provided, addressing a topic that can often cause problems for the user without the correct advice.
Additional detail has been introduced on how the various Isolation classes and characteristics are specified for relays, and more comprehensive insulation data is now provided within each relay product section. The reliability section has been updated to include the concept of B10 statistical life its relationship to the F charts, and a new section on Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) and their relevance to components such as relays, an issue of particular concern to machine and system builders involved in safety-critical projects. The sections on separated extra-low voltage (SELV) and protected extra-low voltage (PELV) have also been expanded.