FCT18-CR Series

Bistable Relay
with Impulse Control

Industrial-grade impulse latching relay with ultra-wide voltage range, maintaining output state without continuous power — ideal for memory and toggle switching applications.

Wide-voltage 12–240V AC/DC Bistable / Impulse Latching No timing adjustment needed DIN rail mount 18mm slim design 1×SPDT / 2×SPDT 16A @ 250V AC NPN / PNP IP40 Front
FCT18-CR Bistable Impulse Relay
🧲 Bistable Latching Each impulse on control terminal S toggles the output state. No continuous power needed to maintain relay position.
🔒 Memory Function Retains last state even after supply voltage interruption — resumes previous position on power-up.
🛡️ Enhanced Anti-EMI Design Reinforced circuit ensures stable toggling without false triggering in noisy environments.
12–240V Wide Supply Voltage AC/DC universal — one relay fits nearly all control systems worldwide.
📏 18mm Ultra-Slim Housing Saves precious DIN rail space with compact 18mm width.
🔄 1×10⁷ Mechanical Life Exceptional durability for high-frequency switching applications.

📋 Models & Ordering

Model Supply Voltage Output Contact Trigger Type Control Terminal Datasheet
FCT18-CR1WN 12–240V AC/DC 1 × SPDT NPN A2 – S 📄 Download PDF
FCT18-CR1WP 12–240V AC/DC 1 × SPDT PNP A1 – S 📄 Download PDF
FCT18-CR2WN 12–240V AC/DC 2 × SPDT NPN A2 – S 📄 Download PDF
FCT18-CR2WP 12–240V AC/DC 2 × SPDT PNP A1 – S 📄 Download PDF

💡 Naming convention: W = Wide voltage (12–240V AC/DC), N = NPN trigger (S to A2), P = PNP trigger (S to A1), 1 = 1×SPDT, 2 = 2×SPDT.

⚙️ Technical Specifications

🔌 Input

Input TerminalA1 – A2
Supply Voltage12–240V AC/DC
Power ConsumptionAC 3.5VA / DC 2.0W
Voltage Tolerance-15% ~ +10%

🎛️ Control Circuit

Control TerminalsA1–S (PNP) / A2–S (NPN)
Control Pulse Lengthmin. 25ms / max. unlimited
FunctionBistable (impulse latching)
Switching ActionEach pulse toggles output state

🔌 Output

Contact (CR1 series)1 × SPDT
Contact (CR2 series)2 × SPDT
Rated Current16A @ 250V AC
Mechanical Life1×10⁷ operations
Electrical Life1×10⁵ operations

📐 Physical & Environmental

Dimensions18 × 90 × 64 mm
MountingDIN rail EN 60715
Protection DegreeIP40 (front) / IP10 (terminals)
Operating Temp.-20°C ~ +55°C
Storage Temp.-30°C ~ +70°C

📜 Standards & Certifications

ComplianceGB/T 14048.5, IEC 60947-5-1, EN 6812-1
Contact ConfigurationSPDT: 11(COM)-12(NC)-14(NO)
2nd pole: 21(COM)-22(NC)-24(NO)
Pollution Degree2
Max. Cable SizeAWG 13–20 / 0.4 N·m

📈 Function Diagram – Bistable Toggle Operation

FCT18-CR Bistable Relay Function Diagram

• The relay operates as an impulse bistable switch: each pulse on the control terminal S toggles the output contact R.
First pulse: Output R closes (NO contact makes, NC breaks).
Second pulse: Output R opens (NO breaks, NC makes).
Third pulse: Output R closes again, and so on.
• The output state is maintained even if the supply voltage is removed — when power returns, the relay stays in the last memorized position.
• Minimum control pulse length: 25 ms. No maximum limit.

🎬 See it in Action

🔧 Wiring & Terminal Layout

Terminal Identification

A1 — L / + (Supply) A2 — N / - (Supply) S — Control Signal 11 — COM 12 — NC 14 — NO 21 — COM (2nd pole) 22 — NC (2nd pole) 24 — NO (2nd pole)
⚠️ Safety Note: Keep the power supply disconnected during the entire installation process. Carefully check the wiring diagram and follow it correctly. Adhere to the specified voltage and current limits for each connection terminal.

NPN models (WN): Control signal between S and A2.
PNP models (WP): Control signal between S and A1.

FCT18-CR Wiring and Terminal Layout Diagram

🕹️ How It Works

  1. Apply Supply Voltage: Connect A1 (L/+) and A2 (N/-) to a 12–240V AC/DC power source. The green LED illuminates.
  2. Toggle Output via Control Signal: Send a pulse to terminal S (referenced to A1 for PNP, A2 for NPN) with a minimum duration of 25 ms. Each pulse toggles the output state.
  3. Output State Indication: The red LED indicates the relay position — ON when NO (14/24) is closed, OFF when NC (12/22) is closed.
  4. Power Loss Behavior: If supply voltage is removed, the relay remembers its last state. On power restoration, the previous position is maintained without an extra control pulse.

🏭 Typical Applications

💡 Lighting Control
Staircase or corridor light toggling with multiple pushbuttons
Remote On/Off Switch
Pulse-operated latching for remote equipment control
🔄 Pump Alternation
Change pump state with a single impulse — no constant signal needed
📡 PLC Memory Extension
Keep outputs in desired state after PLC stop or power cycle
🚪 Access Control
Impulse-driven door strikes or gate latches
🏭 Conveyor Toggle
Start/stop conveyor sections with simple momentary buttons

🔗 Related Products

Explore other time relays in the FCT18 series:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 What is a bistable relay, and how does it work?
A bistable relay toggles its output state each time a control pulse is applied to terminal S. It maintains the last state even if the power supply is removed, acting as a memory switch. No continuous control signal is needed.
🔹 Does the FCT18-CR require any time setting?
No. Unlike other FCT18 time relays, the CR series has no adjustable time parameters. It simply toggles with each impulse. The green and red LEDs indicate power and output status.
🔹 What happens after a power failure?
The relay stores its last output position internally. When power is restored, the output returns to the exact same state as before the interruption — no extra pulse is needed.
🔹 What is the minimum pulse width for reliable toggling?
The control signal must stay active for at least 25 milliseconds. Shorter pulses may be ignored. There is no upper limit — you can hold the signal indefinitely.
🔹 Can I use this with both AC and DC supply voltages?
Yes. The FCT18-CR accepts 12–240V AC or DC on terminals A1–A2, making it suitable for almost any control panel worldwide.
🔹 What is the mechanical lifespan of the contacts?
The relay boasts a mechanical life of 1×10⁷ operations, giving outstanding durability for frequent toggling applications. Electrical life is 1×10⁵ operations at rated load.

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