At Functional Devices, we’ve been designing and manufacturing reliable electronic control devices since 1969. From RIB® relays to current sensors, lighting controls, transformers, and power supplies, our products help engineers, contractors, and facility managers build smarter, safer, and more dependable systems.
One of our most popular devices is the RIBU1C relay. Its 120 VAC coil input, 10–30 VAC/DC compatibility, and 10 amp switching capacity make it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications. Because it’s so commonly used, our support team often hears the same questions over and over, so we’ve compiled the top five right here for you.
Need help picking the right relay or wiring it correctly? Browse our RIB relay catalog or contact our engineering support team. We’ll help you find the perfect device and get your project running smoothly.
FAQ: Top 5 Tech Questions About theRIBU1C
1. “I have this RIBU1C relay. How do I wire it up?”
Wiring a RIBU1C is simpler than it sounds. Think of it as connecting a remote light switch without the ladder.
- Coil Side. Connect your control voltage (10–30 VAC/DC or 120 VAC) to the coil terminals. This is the “brain” of the relay. It tells the contacts when to open or close.
- Load Side. Connect the circuit you want to switch (lights, fans, etc.) across the relay contacts. These are the “muscles.” They handle the heavy lifting.
Pro tip: Always check the coil voltage against your control circuit before energizing, and make sure your load doesn’t exceed the 10 amp contact rating. Want a visual cheat sheet? Our datasheet has easy-to-follow wiring diagrams to save you time and headaches.
2. “How does this relay actually work? What does it do?”
The RIBU1C acts like a remote-controlled light switch: a small control signal energizes the coil, which closes (or opens) the load contacts. Essentially, it lets a tiny signal control a heavier load safely: the brain controlling the muscles.
3. “I have a 10 amp (or less) load I want to turn on and off. Which relay should I pick?”
The RIBU1C is perfect for that. Its contacts are rated for 10 amps, so loads at or below that limit are ideal. Always check the datasheet if you’re near the max to avoid overloading.
4. “I need a relay that gives me a dry contact output. Does RIBU1C offer that?”
Yes! The RIBU1C provides a dry (isolated) contact output, which means it can switch your load without passing power from the coil. Its gold-flash contact coating ensures reliability for low-current or digital signals.
5. “Can the RIBU1C handle Electronic Ballast loads?”
No, the RIBU1C is not rated for electronic ballast switching. For loads like that, consider the RIB2401B or another relay designed specifically for electronic ballasts.
Common Installation Tips & Best Practices
Installing a RIBU1C relay is usually straightforward, but a few small steps can save time and prevent headaches:
- Check Voltage First. Make sure the control voltage matches the coil rating (10–30 VAC/DC or 120 VAC). Applying the wrong voltage can damage the relay.
- Keep Load Within Limits. Never exceed the 10 amp contact rating. If your application requires more, use a higher-rated relay.
Secure Mounting. Mount the relay in a dry, accessible location. Avoid placing it near high-heat sources or where it might get wet. - Twist and Label Wires. For easier troubleshooting later, twist control and load wires neatly and label them if possible.
- Test Before Closing Panels. Energize the coil and verify the relay switches your load correctly before finalizing the installation.
- Consult the Datasheet. Our datasheets provide wiring diagrams, coil and contact specs, and troubleshooting tips — a quick reference can save hours.
RIB relays are built to be durable, but a little planning upfront ensures a smooth installation and minimizes calls to tech support.
Rely on the RIBU1C
The RIBU1C relay is a versatile, reliable, and well-tested solution for switching circuits up to 10 amps. At Functional Devices, we design products to make your life easier whether that’s ensuring code compliance, simplifying wiring, or giving you peace of mind that your relay will perform as expected. Our RIB relays, current sensors, lighting controls, and other devices are built in the U.S. and rigorously tested to meet the highest quality standards, so you can focus on your project instead of troubleshooting.
Download the RIBU1C datasheet or reach out to our engineering support team to learn more. We’re here to answer your questions and help you get the right device for your application, fast and hassle-free.
About Functional Devices, Inc.
Functional Devices, Inc., located in the United States of America, has been designing and manufacturing quality electronic devices since 1969. Our mission is to enhance lives in buildings and beyond. We do so by designing and manufacturing reliable, high-quality products for the building automation industry. Our suite of product offerings include RIB relays, current sensors, power controls, power supplies, transformers, lighting controls, and more.
We test 100% of our products, which leads to less than 1 out of every 16,000 products experiencing a failure in the field.
Simply put, we provide users of our various products confidence and peace of mind in every box.