A solution to the TRIAC/Low power factor issue

[RussM]

I was rummaging in a parts bin in my garage, and saw something that gave me an idea. What I saw was a short extension cord of a type I've been using for years. They are primarily intended to eliminate the problem of wall-warts wasting space in power strips. They are only about 8" long and have a tiny neon lamp in the socket end.

The lamp is what sparked my idea... would it be enough to enable a EB8 TRIAC to work properly when a problematic device like a small pump won't shut off?

I tested the cord all by itself... it enabled the TRAIC outlets to work perfectly. I tested on 4 different outlets with those outlets programmed for a 3-sec OSC ON/OFF... not a single miss. I then connected the only ultra-low-power aquarium device I have available... a Hydor Koralia Nano/425 (rated @ 3.5 watts). When directly connected, the Koralia failed to turn off every single time, as expected. I repeated the tests with pump plugged into the the lighted extension cord in 4 different outlets programmed for rapid OSC ON/OFF. I observed for several minutes in each outlet. Once again, perfect operations.

The cords are available at Walmart. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Woods-8-1...hite-3pk/16489603?adid=1500000000000027727770

I'm hoping that a couple of others here in the forum will pick up a 3-pack and try it with BRS dosers, AquaLifters, and small powerheads, then report back with your findings. If others have the same outstanding results i just had, we've come up with a simple, inexpensive ($6 for a 3-pack!), and safe solution.

 

[phuzzykins]

A great idea, but...

I tried these exact extensions out a while ago, and they didn't work for either an aqualifter or the solenoid on my co2 regulator.

They may work for some devices, or for some EB8's, but I think it's a "your mileage may vary" solution.

 

[phuzzykins]

Doppelposten

 

[RussM]

A great idea, but...

I tried these exact extensions out a while ago, and they didn't work for either an aqualifter or the solenoid on my co2 regulator.

They may work for some devices, or for some EB8's, but I think it's a "your mileage may vary" solution.

Kinda what I was afraid of. I wish I had more devices to test with.

 

[pencil3]

In the past I’ve used the single outlet surge protectors, they would work for a while but then would eventually fail. Best bet is to pick up a EB4, but if you can’t the Neptune socket expansions work well.

 

[Kenfuzed]

I found the same extensions at BigLots a couple years ago. I've used them with each of my LED lights to prevent them from flashing when adjacent channels controlling fans turn on/off. I never had luck with them fixing low power factor devices. The only thing I found to work was to plug one of those bathroom nightlights into the same channel. The additional load fixes the problem. The tiny LED in those extension cords do not create enough load.

 

[RussM]

Oh well...

 

[miyzfrider]

I've used a regular extension cord and simply added a wall wart transformer along with my evo pumps. The two on the same cord works for me. I just took an old cell phone charger, cut off the cord, black taped the cut cord and plugged it into the short (3') cord with the evo. I think the key in your idea and what I have is finding the amount of additional draw required to get the outlet to function. Maybe a small nightlight or something. You can get 4 watt or 7 watt bulbs.

 

[bazineta]

I like using a 'Feliway Cat Calming Diffuser' to add additional load. The pheromones activated when the dosers come on attracts the resident felines, who then do the 'jump up to bat ineffectively but oh-so-endearingly at the fish' thing.

In this manner we derive entertainment from the full nonhuman complement of house residents. We're all about that kind of value here.