Due to their input capacitance (up to 10 µF!), energy-saving lamps, ECG devices, fluorescent lamps and similar consumers often produce switch-on peaks of up to 100 A! An unprotected relay contact cannot withstand such current peaks in the long term and will consequently stick or become welded after only a short period of operation.
This can usually be remedied by using a suitable switch-on current limitation (e.g. EBN 2 or EBN U2) or by connecting the load via a contactor.
Further information on the loadability of relays with capacitive loads can be found in our corresponding data sheet on the load carrying capability of relay contacts.