Induction Suppression – Formula for Sizing an Induction Suppression Capacitor

capacitorinduction

I’m using a set of 12vdc wireless relays to control a 12vdc solenoid and a 120vac, 1.6 amp motor.
The relay manufacturer recommends an induction suppression capacitor to protect the control electronics.
I’m looking for the formula and / or guidelines to size the capacitors correctly.
I’ve been looking around the net but haven’t found anything that’s clear to me.

Edited to respond to comments.
This is the relay assembly Relay Pros 4 Channel Wireless
They do offer capacitors for induction suppression, but the selection is based only on voltage. I have a better chance of meeting the deadline if I can source the parts locally (this is being used for a prop in a television series that I work on in special effects).
So, I was asking for guidelines or a formula that I can use to plug in my known values so I can get the correct capacitor and avoid possible induction problems with the relays and microcontroller.

Best Answer

https://www.omron.com.au/service_support/FAQ/FAQ02804/index.asp OMRON were the best suppliers of contact relays for reliability. Now they specialize in solid-state.

Heed their advice de-ratings as max and add margin.

When contacts close on a capacitor, the ESR of the Cap determines the initial surge current and if there is contact bounce, this causes a 5000'K arc in air which gradually wears out the silver content,

When contacts open with dry contacts dI/dt is extremely high, and the motor current creates a bigger arc than the small Mylar Cap. But this is a tradeoff to choose the right size. Exceed the nominal peak voltage by at least 50~100% and add a series R to limit contact closure current.

Use the following as guides for C and R values:

C: 0.5 to 1 μF per 1 A of contact current (A)
R: 0.5 to 1 Ω per 1 V of contact voltage (V)

Ref:

https://www.omron.com.au/service_support/FAQ/FAQ02804/index.asp

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