Parts too small for breadboard?

[sci4me]

Hey guys! So, this may sound like a dumb question but bear with me.
I am working on a project that uses small 5V DPDT relays (these ones to be specific: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/kemet/EC2-5NU/399-11052-5-ND/4291118).
The obvious problem with these is that they do not properly fit in a breadboard.

What I want to know is what is the best way to prototype with these relays? What would you guys recommend?

[mtdoc]

Why do you think they won't fit in a breadboard?.  Have you tried?

It looks like from the data sheet that lead spacing is 2.54 and 5.08 mm. This should fit exactly with standard 0.1" (2.54mm) breadboard tie points.

[ataradov]

Why do you think they won't fit in a breadboard?.

They will fit into some random holes, but they will not fit across the central divider, where they can actually be used.

I'd just use protoboard to create a simple break out board.

[sci4me]

Found what I believe to be the best solution: stick them into some IC sockets. It bends their pins but it works.

[Brumby]

Why do you think they won't fit in a breadboard?.

They will fit into some random holes, but they will not fit across the central divider, where they can actually be used.

This  ^ ^ ^

The centre divider has a spacing of 3 holes of 2.54mm (0.1") pitch, which is perfect for good old fashioned DIP packages - but this relay has a spacing of 2 holes in the relevant dimension.

The breakout board is the best way to resolve this - but the OP has made a similar approach, with a little less sophistication.  But if it works, who's to argue?

Also, I would suggest the relay stays in the IC socket, for reliability reasons.

[mtdoc]

Why do you think they won't fit in a breadboard?.

They will fit into some random holes, but they will not fit across the central divider, where they can actually be used.

This  ^ ^ ^

The centre divider has a spacing of 3 holes of 2.54mm (0.1") pitch, which is perfect for good old fashioned DIP packages - but this relay has a spacing of 2 holes in the relevant dimension.

Yep. My bad. Was thinking 2 hole spacing along the center divider.

[Mechatrommer]

Found what I believe to be the best solution: stick them into some IC sockets. It bends their pins but it works.

breadboard is already dip IC compatible without a socket.

btw 1) if pins go into random location not aligned to breadboard holes then i'll solder some suitable thick copper wires to the relay legs, extending like 10-20mm length and bend the copper wires, so relay pin will not risk damage. 2) if component is too small like soic, 0603 smds etc, i'll make breakout board with dip male header out of copper clad or protoboard.

[Brumby]

Found what I believe to be the best solution: stick them into some IC sockets. It bends their pins but it works.

breadboard is already dip IC compatible without a socket.

No mystery:....

The centre divider has a spacing of 3 holes of 2.54mm (0.1") pitch, which is perfect for good old fashioned DIP packages - but this relay has a spacing of 2 holes in the relevant dimension.

So the OP has used a DIP socket - and obviously splayed the relay pins to make them fit.

[rrinker]

 I made a similar n00b mistake myself with my one project - I paid attention to the coil voltage and current, and the contact ratings on the data sheet for the relays I needed, and totally ignored the physical dimensions. So now I have 10 pcs of a tiny relay similar to that one. Sure, the coil won't overload my micro, and the contacts can switch way over the expected current, but the things are so itty bitty it's hard to work with them. For breadboarding my project I just used male to female DuPont leads to connect the relays to the rest of the circuit on the board. Pretty sure I will go searching for physically larger relays to build up the final circuit, just to make it easier to attach wires going to the external screw terminals.

[KL27x]

I would probably just put them in the board sideways. Or not at all, and just breadboard the control circuitry, if possible.

[Back2Volts]

Those relays are really small and not that expensive for the size.   I have a project in mind that will need 16.    I was thinking to use some of those Chinese opto isolated boards with the blue relays, but I think they will be a bit bulky.  I may just use something like those relays.

[BMack]

They make jumpers that are female to male, you can insert a lead in one side and the male end in the board. First one I found on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/40Pcs-20cm-Male-to-Female-Dupont-Wire-Jumper-Cable-for-Arduino-Breadboard-VF-A-/262623196575

[Back2Volts]

They make jumpers that are female to male, you can insert a lead in one side and the male end in the board. First one I found on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/40Pcs-20cm-Male-to-Female-Dupont-Wire-Jumper-Cable-for-Arduino-Breadboard-VF-A-/262623196575

It happens that I ordered the ones below yesterday with a bunch of other parts from the same seller.   Similar but in four 10x bundles.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380625930511?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[fubar.gr]

I had a similar problem recently.

 In my case the relay pin pitch was compatible with the brradboard and it could stradle the center divider alright.

But the pins were quite thinner than the typical .5 mm and rather short, so it wasn't making a reliable connection. I could feel that the pins were just touching the top of the metal stripes inside the breadboard.

I ended up using a slightly bigger relay with longer, thicker pins that would insert properly, so I dont really have a solution!

[tooki]

I've used machined male and female headers, soldered to ribbon cable, to make breakout cables for this problem. The machined female headers make reliable contact with short, thin component leads that the storebought dupont jumpers don't hold reliably.