Ranco Controller - Calling Sparkies

[Tigger240]

i just purchased two 2 stage ranco controllers. i set them up according to directions, but the problem is that only one lead is switchable, leaving the neutral "open" to be grounded. alot of fans and heaters are not three prong and guess what, after setting it up, touched the fan casing and the water and mild buzz. i want to have the ranco flip a dpst relay, but since i got the 120v verison - is this possible? should i return it for the low voltage one and save myself some trouble? i am already losing out on shipping(to return it) so if its just a few bucks for some relay im ok with that. recommendations?

 

[BeanAnimal]

I am not quite sure what your question is.

The RANCO acts just like a light switch. It breaks the HOT side of the connection only, leaving the neutral attached to the load. If there is a ground, the ground will be attached to the load as well.

You can easily use the output to switch a DPDT relay and have both the HOT and NEUTRAL removed from the load when it is switched off. This is not needed, but is certainly safe and not at all a bad idea.

Bean

 

[Tigger240]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...1&cp=&origkw=relay&kw=relay&parentPage=search

i have screwball wiring at my apartment - no third prong (ground) and i ran into a problem with this before. i got around it by going back to basics and removing alot of items and running a ground from the outlet - outside - to a 1.5' rebar i hammered into the ground.

I would like all the electric to stop at the ranco, and not go anywhere until the ranco commands it. i just didnt want to run 120v from the ranco into the relay and fry the relays latching system. im thinking of buying something like this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...1&cp=&origkw=relay&kw=relay&parentPage=search

thanks bean for the quick reply i would like to get this sorted asap.

 

[Tigger240]

err edit. run 120v into ranco. ranco single switching relay (hot side) gets run to (one of two) relays. dpdt, or dpst, either or (right?). the latch is then activated by the ranco and its putting 120v into the relay on the latching side. this is what im not sure about. is this ok?

 

[BeanAnimal]

The neutral wire should never shock you... it SHOULD be at the same potential as ground. If you are getting shocked by the nuetral you have a lot larger problems than you think. Your electric service should be grounded. By running a seperate ground (your rebar) from the service entrance ground..... you have created a potentially dangerous situation.

You would not fry the RANCO by using it to switch a relay...

However, I would have the landords electrician over and show him that you are getting zapped by the neutral. I would do it ASAP.

Bean

 

[Tigger240]

bean i mis spoke im not worried about the ranco, its made to take the 120, im just not sure of the relay. my electric service is not grounded in the aparement as far as i know (it most definatly could be at the breaker box however). i will have to check over my things and make sure that im not at fault either.

 

[Tigger240]

i will be contacting the proper electrican

 

[BeanAnimal]

That is the safest thing to do...

Yes the output of the RANCO is 120V so you simply want to buy a relay that is rated at 120V on the coil side and contact side