Automation Boot Camp

We have a number of customers calling us to see what they can use in place of mercury relays thinking they are banned in California.

While we do offer mercury relay replacement options with our wide range of solid state relays, we can also clear up some confusion regarding the California ban on mercury relay usage.

The 'new' law (effective July 1, 2006!) allows for "the sale and distribution of mercury relays and switches if the switch or relay is used to replace a component of a larger product in use prior to July 1, 2006 and if one of the following applies:

• the larger product is used in manufacturing; or
• the switch or relay is integrated in and not physically separate from other components of the larger product."

(Information taken from 'Mercury-Added Switches and Relays in Consumer Products, Fact Sheet, March 2006 from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control')

Basically, in most cases, if you are replacing a mercury relay in your equipment then you can purchase and use a mercury relay. 

In a new OEM application we would be happy to help you find a replacement for mercury relays!

Marshall Wolf Automation is a full line industrial automation distributor for a range of products including MDI mercury relays.

View our MDI mercury relays now!