Temperature-based electromagnetic switching

A method comprising:

• in a system comprising a plurality of electromechanical switches each having a respective operating coil controllable to make and break conductive paths between movable and stationary contacts, monitoring temperature-indicative signals from sensors associated with the switches;
• based upon the temperature-indicative signals, applying a pull-in current to each operating coil to close the respective switching device to make the respective conductive paths at desired make times, or removing current to each operating coil to open the respective switching device to break the respective conductive paths at desired break times, wherein the desired make and break times are based at least in part on desired points in a waveform of incoming alternating current power applied to the switches;
• and
• altering switching times of the operating coils over different cycles of making of the switches to provide consistent operation of the switches.

A system comprising:

• a plurality of electromechanical switches each having an operating coil controllable to make and break conductive paths between movable and stationary contacts;
• means for determining temperature signals based on a temperature associated with each operating coil;
• and
• control circuitry configured command, based upon the determined temperature signals, application a pull-in current to each operating coil to close the respective switching device to make the respective conductive paths at desired times, or removal of current to each operating coil to open the respective switching device to break the respective conductive paths at desired break times, wherein the desired make and break times are based at least in part on desired points in a waveform of incoming alternating current power applied to the switches, wherein the desired points are at least partially based upon a voltage and/or current zero crossing, or a phase-to-phase zero crossing.