relays for light controller..... good sources????

mybeans420

resident slackass

Veteran

• Jul 16, 2006

• #1

How goes it all

I was just wondering if anyone who has built thier own 240v light controller could post thier source for the relays they used?

this is what I'm referring to.....
http://www.hydroponics.net/learn/grow-light-controller.asp

I know they sell them on that site but was just wondering if anyone knew where I could get a better deal on them.

also, the exact specs would be helpful in my search.

Thanks,
Beans

 

MTF-Sandman

OG Refugee

Veteran

• Jul 16, 2006

• #2

What's the total wattage of the lights that you need it to take care of?

 

mybeans420

resident slackass

Veteran

• Jul 16, 2006

• #3

Hey MTF-Sandman,
I want it to be capaple of running up to 8 - 600s. At 2.75A each I would need 30A at least. Btw, I'm planning on going with electronic ballasts (hence the 2.75A).

If I'm able to find them locally what would be a more common use for them?

Thanks,
Beans

 

MTF-Sandman

OG Refugee

Veteran

• Jul 16, 2006

• #4

That's actually not a bad price for a 240v/30a DPST NO relay with a 120v coil...if you have a local electrical supply place, you might try them. The ones around here don't ask why, but if your's does just tell them it's for a large heater in your workshop that you want to put on a thermostat.

Edit: They are also used in hot tubs to control the heater...

 

Last edited: Jul 16, 2006

stonewall

Active member

• Jul 16, 2006

• #5

You should be able to get a 2 pole, 30 amp full load inductive rated, definite purpose contactor for about 10-15 dollars at your local electrical or hvac supply house.

The power relay in your link is a little bit over kill for simple on/off switching, imho.


toke it easy. :smokin:

 

mybeans420

resident slackass

Veteran

• Jul 16, 2006

• #6

MTF-Sandman said:

That's actually not a bad price for a 240v/30a DPST NO relay with a 120v coil...if you have a local electrical supply place, you might try them. The ones around here don't ask why, but if your's does just tell them it's for a large heater in your workshop that you want to put on a thermostat.

Edit: They are also used in hot tubs to control the heater...

Click to expand...

DPST = double pole single throw, correct?

Is "NO" referring to "normally open"?

Thanks again,
Beans

 

stonewall

Active member

• Jul 16, 2006

• #7

yep

 

MTF-Sandman

OG Refugee

Veteran

• Jul 16, 2006

• #8

mybeans420 said:

DPST = double pole single throw, correct?

Is "NO" referring to "normally open"?

Thanks again,
Beans

Click to expand...

Correct x2

stonewall said:

You should be able to get a 2 pole, 30 amp full load inductive rated, definite purpose contactor for about 10-15 dollars at your local electrical or hvac supply house.

The power relay in your link is a little bit over kill for simple on/off switching, imho.

Click to expand...

I'm curious what the differences are between the relay you suggested and the one in the link...I'm definitely not a techie regarding things like this, but I'm willing to learn

 

stonewall

Active member

• Jul 16, 2006

• #9

Not much difference really Sandman. Different construction with the power relay being a little more robust, made to cycle more often than the contactor.

If you were willing to spend the little extra, I wouldn't discourage you from getting the power relay instead of the contactor. But the contactor is more than capable of doing the job of on/off switching a couple of times a day. the contactor is probably easier to locate locally as well.



toke it easy :smokin:

 

wantaknow

ruger 500

Veteran

• Jul 16, 2006

• #10

where can i get a flip flop that will handle 4k ?

 

MTF-Sandman

OG Refugee

Veteran

• Jul 16, 2006

• #11

Cool...thanks for the info

Wantaknow - I believe there's a thread on building them...might wanna try the search function...