A new technology developed by Watlow engineers extends the life of relays incorporated in Watlow's temperature and power switching controllers used in heating applications requiring a high volume of cycles. Electromechanical relay technology has been the same for many years, as has the electrical arcing that can shorten the life of electromechanical relays. But this engineering "fact of life" has changed thanks to Watlow's new technology, called NO-ARC. A NO-ARC relay is a mechanical relay with arc suppression provided through the use of smart electronics. The technology reduces the amount of arcing across the relay contacts and greatly extents the life of the relay. Relays without NO-ARC typically have a life cycle of about 100,000 cycles at rated amperage, while a NO-ARC relay will have a life of more than four million cycles. NO-ARC technology is superior to alternative technologies for many reasons including that it can handle high current without a large heat sink. Eliminating the need for a heat sink further reduces ownership costs and the number of components required for operation. Watlow is the first heater manufacturer to introduce this new technology. Any application that requires millions of cycles will see value in arc suppression technology. Watlow products that incorporate NO-ARC technology include the E-SAFE™ II Hybrid Power Switch, the EZ-ZONE® PM Integrated Controller and the EHG® SL10 Process controller and Safety Limit.