FALCON SG2K-1T | Solid State Relay | Obsolete Industrial Component Risk Analysis

  • Model: SG2K-1T
  • Brand: FALCON (Crydom / Sensata)
  • Core Function: Single-pole, zero-crossing AC solid state relay for resistive/heating loads
  • Lifecycle Status: Discontinued (Obsolete)
  • Procurement Risk: High – limited to residual stock; pricing unstable; no new production
  • Critical Role: Primary switching element in heater control circuits; failure causes immediate process shutdown
Category: SKU: SG2K-1T FALCON

Description

Key Technical Specifications (For Spare Parts Verification)

  • Product Model: SG2K-1T
  • Manufacturer: FALCON (Crydom)
  • Product Family: SG2 Series Solid State Relays
  • Output Type: AC Only (Zero-Crossing Switching)
  • Load Voltage Range: 24–280 VAC
  • Maximum Load Current: 25 A (at 40°C ambient)
  • Control Input: 3–32 VDC (Logic-level compatible)
  • Mounting Style: Panel mount with #6 screw terminals
  • Heat Sink Requirement: Mandatory external heat sink (not integrated)
  • Isolation Voltage: 4000 Vrms input-to-output
  • Physical Dimensions: 57.2 mm W × 44.5 mm H × 25.4 mm D (standard SG2 footprint)

System Role and Downtime Impact

The FALCON SG2K-1T typically serves as the main power switching component in industrial heating systems—such as plastic extruders, thermoforming machines, or oven temperature zones. It is often installed directly on a DIN rail or panel-mounted near the load, controlled by a PLC or temperature controller via a low-voltage signal. Because it handles full line voltage and high current, its failure mode is usually catastrophic: either shorted (causing uncontrolled heating) or open (resulting in loss of temperature). In either case, the affected process zone becomes inoperable immediately. Given its common use in multi-zone thermal systems, a single SG2K-1T failure can halt an entire production line if redundancy is not implemented, leading to hours of downtime and potential material scrap.

Reliability Analysis and Common Failure Modes

Despite its robust appearance, the SG2K-1T has well-documented failure patterns due to its age and design era. The most prevalent issue is thermal fatigue of internal solder joints and semiconductor bonds, accelerated by inadequate heat sinking or frequent thermal cycling. Many field failures trace back to undersized or clogged heat sinks, causing junction temperatures to exceed ratings over time.
A critical design weakness is the lack of built-in overvoltage protection on the output side. Voltage transients from inductive kickback (even from nearby contactors) or grid surges can degrade the triac over time, eventually leading to latch-up or short-circuit failure. Additionally, the control input circuit uses older optocoupler technology that is susceptible to degradation from sustained high-temperature operation, resulting in intermittent triggering or complete loss of control.
For maintenance teams, proactive inspection should focus on three areas:
  1. Heat sink condition – verify secure mounting, absence of oxidation, and adequate airflow; clean dust buildup quarterly.
  2. Terminal integrity – check for discoloration, pitting, or loose screws indicating arcing or overheating.
  3. Ambient temperature – ensure enclosure temperature near the SSR does not exceed 40°C; add forced ventilation if necessary.
    Regular thermal imaging during operation can also reveal abnormal hot spots before catastrophic failure occurs.
SG2K-1T FALCON

SG2K-1T FALCON

Lifecycle Status and Migration Strategy

The FALCON SG2K-1T is officially obsolete, with Sensata/Crydom having ended production years ago. Continued use carries significant risk: spare parts are scarce, counterfeit units have appeared in gray markets, and technical support for troubleshooting is no longer available. Relying on aging inventory increases the likelihood of unplanned downtime with extended recovery times.
As a temporary measure, facilities may source verified surplus units from reputable industrial surplus dealers, but each unit should undergo functional testing (load simulation at rated current) before installation. Board-level repair is generally not feasible due to potting and monolithic construction.
The recommended migration path is to replace the SG2K-1T with a modern equivalent such as the Crydom CX2425 or D1D25 series. These offer identical electrical ratings but include enhanced features like built-in MOV protection, improved thermal performance, and RoHS compliance. However, note that while the electrical specs match, the physical footprint and terminal layout may differ slightly—requiring minor panel modifications. Crucially, the new relays do not require firmware or programming changes, making them a “drop-in” functional upgrade with minimal engineering effort. Planning this migration during scheduled maintenance windows is strongly advised to mitigate future operational risk.