HC4-L-DC12V-D General Purpose Relay 4PDT 12VDC

Part Overview

The HC4-L-DC12V-D is a general purpose relay manufactured by Panasonic Electric Works, featuring a 4PDT (4 Form C) contact configuration with a 12VDC coil. This socketable relay is designed for applications requiring multiple independent switching circuits with a 5A contact rating at 250VAC maximum switching voltage. The product is currently obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute parts essential for system maintenance and component sourcing.

Substiute Parts

HC4-L-DC12V-D

Panasonic Electric WorksIn Stock: 1087HC4-L-DC12V-D Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LY4-D DC12

Omron Automation and SafetyIn Stock: 1103LY4-D DC12 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the HC4-L-DC12V-D is determined by the following critical parameters that must remain consistent:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Coil Voltage: 12VDC
• Contact Form: 4PDT (4 Form C)
• Coil Type: Non Latching
• Mounting Type: Socketable
• Termination Style: Plug In

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Contact Rating (Current): May increase from 5A to higher ratings (10A acceptable)
• Switching Voltage: May increase from 250VAC to higher ratings
• Coil Current: May vary within design tolerance
• Operating Temperature Range: May be narrower than original
• Operate/Release Time: May vary within acceptable switching performance windows
• Contact Material: May differ while maintaining electrical performance

The LY4-D DC12 from Omron Automation and Safety satisfies all mandatory matching parameters while providing enhanced current rating and switching voltage capability, making it a valid substitute for the obsolete HC4-L-DC12V-D.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The LY4-D DC12 is a suitable substitute for the obsolete HC4-L-DC12V-D based on the following factors:

Product Status Consideration: The HC4-L-DC12V-D is obsolete, while the LY4-D DC12 maintains active product status with confirmed availability. This ensures long-term sourcing capability and supply chain continuity.

Compliance and Certification: The LY4-D DC12 is RoHS Compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards. Both parts share identical Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) classification of 1 (Unlimited), indicating equivalent handling and storage requirements.

Electrical Compatibility: Both relays operate on 12VDC coils with identical must-operate and must-release voltage thresholds (9.6 VDC and 1.2 VDC respectively). The 4PDT contact configuration is identical, ensuring functional equivalence in multi-circuit switching applications.

Performance Enhancement: The LY4-D DC12 provides increased contact current rating (10A versus 5A) and extended switching voltage capability (250VAC and 125VDC versus 250VAC only), offering improved performance margins for existing applications.

Operating Temperature Consideration: The LY4-D DC12 operates within -25°C to 40°C, which is narrower than the HC4-L-DC12V-D range of -50°C to 60°C. Applications requiring operation below -25°C or above 40°C must retain the original part or identify alternative substitutes with extended temperature ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the LY4-D DC12 directly replace the HC4-L-DC12V-D in existing applications?

A: Yes, for applications operating within the -25°C to 40°C temperature range. Both relays share identical 12VDC coil voltage, 4PDT contact configuration, socketable mounting, and plug-in termination. The LY4-D DC12 provides higher current and voltage ratings, making it suitable for the same or more demanding switching requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the higher 10A contact rating on the LY4-D DC12 compared to the 5A rating of the HC4-L-DC12V-D?

A: The 10A rating indicates the LY4-D DC12 can safely switch higher currents without contact degradation. Applications originally designed for 5A operation will function reliably with the LY4-D DC12. Applications requiring currents between 5A and 10A benefit from the increased margin.

Q: Are there differences in switching speed between these relays?

A: The LY4-D DC12 has slightly longer operate and release times (25 ms each) compared to the HC4-L-DC12V-D (20 ms each). This 5 ms difference is negligible for most general purpose relay applications but should be verified for time-critical switching circuits.

Q: What does the higher coil current (120 mA) of the LY4-D DC12 mean compared to the HC4-L-DC12V-D (75 mA)?

A: The LY4-D DC12 requires more current to energize its coil. Circuit designs must verify that the 12VDC power supply can provide 120 mA without voltage sag. The lower coil resistance (100 Ohms versus 160 Ohms) of the LY4-D DC12 accounts for this difference.

Q: Is the plug-in termination compatible between these two relays?

A: Both relays feature plug-in termination for socketable mounting. The HC4-L-DC12V-D specifies 14-pin configuration, while the LY4-D DC12 specifies plug-in termination without pin count detail. Physical compatibility must be verified with the specific socket or base used in the application.

Q: What is the impact of the narrower operating temperature range of the LY4-D DC12?

A: The LY4-D DC12 operates from -25°C to 40°C, compared to the HC4-L-DC12V-D range of -50°C to 60°C. Applications requiring operation below -25°C or above 40°C cannot use the LY4-D DC12 as a substitute and must identify alternative parts with extended temperature specifications.

Q: Does RoHS compliance of the LY4-D DC12 affect its use in existing systems?

A: RoHS compliance indicates the LY4-D DC12 meets current environmental standards for hazardous substance restrictions. This is advantageous for new designs and systems requiring regulatory compliance. Existing systems designed for the HC4-L-DC12V-D will function with the RoHS-compliant LY4-D DC12 without modification.