Un dispositif de commande d'un relais électromécanique (1), le relais électromécanique () étant disposé entre une charge (3) et un signal alternatif (VA) et comportant un contact mobile (20) entre une position ouverte et une position fermée, comprend des moyens de commande du relais électromécanique (2) configurés pour commander l'ouverture ou la fermeture du relais électromécanique prenant en compte un temps de commutation, de sorte que le contact (20) se place en position ouverte ou en position fermée lorsque le signal alternatif (VA) est sensiblement égal à zéro, le dispositif de commande (1') étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte :

- des moyens de détection (C) de la position ouverte ou de la position fermée du contact (20) ; et

- des moyens de détermination (5) dudit temps de commutation.

Utilisation notamment dans un appareil électroménager.

A circuit breaker comprising at least one moving contact and at least one fixed contact, an actuator for moving the moving contact, said circuit breaker comprising an active device which is operatively connected to the moving contact and is suitable to modulate the motion of the moving contact by applying an adjustable force.

A switch assembly includes first and second contact members which are operatively provided to take one of two positions, a break-position in which the first and second contact members are separated from each other, and a make-position in which the first and second contact members are electrically connected with each other. Magnetic members are provided operatively in association with the first and second contact members to define a closed magnetic loop with a current path extending through the loop, when the first and second contact members are turned to the make-position. The magnetic members attract each other by the magnetic flux through the closed loop to maintain the first and second contacts in the make-position when the current flowing through the current path is not zero. Thus, the first and second contact members are permitted to return to the break-position at a zero crossing point of a.c. current flowing through the contacts.

A method for controlling a switching device having at least one phase comprising at least one couple of contacts which can be actuated for switching between a closed condition and an open condition, comprising:

- providing control means for controlling the actuation of the at least one couple of contacts, such control means being adapted to operate using time cycles;

- setting the time cycles with a predetermined time duration;

- detecting a difference of a value of a parameter associated to the phase with respect a preset value;

- if the value of the parameter is equal to the preset value, controlling the actuation the couple of contacts through the control means using the time cycles with the predetermined time duration, so as the switching of the couple of contacts is controlled to occur at a predetermined electrical angle of a waveform of an electrical signal associated to the phase;

- when the difference is detected, modifying the predetermined time duration according to the detected difference; and

- controlling the actuation of the couple of contacts through said control means using the time cycles with the modified time duration, wherein the modification is such that the switching of the couple of contacts is controlled to occur at said predetermined electrical angle.