What type relay?

[FuzzyLogic]

I am in the process of setting up my PLC to control my tank. Is there a specific type relay that should be used to switch MH ballast? I remember someone mentioning relays with "lighting contacts".

 

[easttn]

I have always used Potter and Brumsfield, primarily because its what I had on hand. Here is a link to one place that has them. Gresham used some slick ones in his design, maybe he'll chime in.

 

[greenstarman]

Siemens Electronics

 

[madscientist]

Lighting contacts are the way to go for this application. They are designed for the constant on/off that lights do every day. As for the Siemens, I do a lot of work with Siemens, but don't think I can honestly recommend that someone pays money for their stuff. We have extremely high failure rates on many of their products. I am not saying I wouldn't use their stuff (because we have a lot of things that I will be using of theirs for automating my tank) but I would definetly check other options.

 

[greenstarman]

That surprises me because we use them in our machines and they are constantly turning on and off, several hundred times a day and very rarely do they fail.

Is there something different about a Lighting Contact?

 

[GreshamH]

automationdirect.com is where I got mine Charles

http://web4.automationdirect.com/ad...-z-_Timers/15A_Electro-Mechanical_Cube_Relays

 

[greenstarman]

Those look like auxilary contacts.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Unless these are 1000W or high voltage ballasts, I would not worry to much about getting "contactors"... unless of course you like big expensive relays

Check allelectronics, and the other surpluss houses (eBay, surpluss sales of nebraska, etc) you should be able to find some pretty beefy contactors.

Bean