For You Guys With Controllers

[Chrisrush]

Yea, I got that part, what about the wires. I assume that 'a' connects to the device, 'b' plugs into the wall, but where does 'c' come from?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[RobbyG]

"C" is the male plug that plugs into your controller. When power is applied to "C" it causes the Relay to close and power now flows from B to A.

 

[Chrisrush]

Gotcha. Thanks for the help.

Chris

 

[cubuffs]

Luis,

That looks great. I cannot wait for you to make me one! I am kidding of course.

 

[Chrisrush]

Tagareef,
Can you draw up a quick sketch of the innards of your box.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Aaron]

I would HIGHLY suggest getting a Solid State Relay (SSR), not a mechanical type shown above.

SSR's last longer, smaller, and are much quieter (ie pretty much silent).

 

[szwab]

is your reccomendation based on saftey or conveince (quieter) and reliability.
how long do mechanical relays last?

 

[Aaron]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7476461#post7476461 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by szwab
is your reccomendation based on saftey or conveince (quieter) and reliability.
how long do mechanical relays last?

both... SSRs are smaller too... do a few web searches

 

[szwab]

i tried but being electrically challanged couldn't tell if what I was looking at was what I wanted. They seemed much more expensive as well. There is a RS near me going out of business and I picked some up for about 4.50 a piece. That said if a SSR is that much better/safer I may go for that. just need to know the details.

 

[saurus]

Hey RobbyG, thanks again for all the support in the aquatronica thread in addition to this great idea. I just constructed the chiller power bypass relay and it works like a charm with my aquatronica. Awesome idea because I had a new outlet installed by the electrician due to the high draw from the chiller and didn't even realize I wasn't going to be able to plug it into the aquatronica powerstrip. You, again, are the man!!

Clint

P.S. The relay has a 10 amp load and my 1/2hp aqualogic chiller draws 9.5amps. Do you think this will be a problem? I couldn't find my kill-a-watt to check to see if it draws that load consistently.

 

[Vamp1975]

Aaron -

How do you wire up one of the SSR relays? All the ones I see, only come with 4 terminals and most of them require a heatsink.

These are what your talking about right?

http://www.power-io.com/products/hda.htm

 

[nyvp]

bump any answer to vamps question ?

 

[mg426]

Looks like the input(coil) is run off of DC, I beleive the output of most controllers are AC

 

[nyvp]

if you look lower on that link they have ac as well .

 

[jgarrison]

great idea, but I advise away from sealed box due to you can not inspect these relays (contacts)on a regular bases. in my line of work I have seen these type (not the same model or MFG) or relays fail often, but they were cycling much more freq. Please keep us informed on the reliability. good luck

 

[jgarrison]

SSR:
SSR are much better then the mech. relays.
Pros,
More Reliable
Silent
Cons
Price
heat sink needed (do not forget the paste)
I do not know of any that run off AC control volts (Input not gate side)

 

[sodaman]

Thanks for the info RobbyG!

There are probably alot of people out there who think they need the Neptune DC4HD ($160) or equivalent for high amp equipment, when all that is needed is a relay, some wire and an outlet.
One question: would this create a fire hazard if not installed in an electrical enclosure? I've seen a relay blow but I believe it was pushing too many amps. Also, SSRs can get pretty hot.

 

[mg426]

Just use a fuse on the contact side.

 

[sodaman]

Another ssr source:

25A ssr, ac coil, din mount, w/heat sink $43.00
http://web1.automationdirect.com/ad...ys_-z-_Timers/Solid-State_Relays/AD-SSR225-AC

 

[nyvp]

how would you wire that?