Using an RC-4 on UK/European AC supplies

[Bottle]

Howdy

Have recently purchased a Prop-2 and some RC-4s through the European distributor - very pleased with the service, BTW  :)

I'm after a bit of advice regarding connecting a set of RC-4s to UK AC supply (230V, 50Hz). I have purchased the recommended Crydom SSRs with the RC-4s.

Setup is thus: Prop-2 -----> 3x RC-4 in daisy-chain serial configuration

I'm in the process of moving everything into a plastic box ready to connect the AC wiring, and I just wanted to see if any of the other members have any tips or experience with running lights off 230VAC.

Thanks in advance

Ian

[JonnyMac]

The Crydom relays (that we use) are spec'd up to 240 VAC so you should be fine.  Just make sure you don't exceed the current specification on the relay.

[Bottle]

Jon

OK, I'll give it a go. I'll try it out with some inexpensive Christmas lights I've got hanging around! Is there a minimum load requirement to "hold-on" the SSR's?


BTW, project started over on the Parallax forums; http://forums.parallax.com/forums/default.aspx?f=21&m=193343

I'm now building the parts into a plastic box, with the BS2 replaced with a Prop-2 (with a couple of code tweaks); hope to have a few pictures up shortly


Thanks for your help,

Ian S

[JonnyMac]

They're actually triacs (so they can switch both phases).  You have to check the specs from Crydom (www.crydom.com) for minimum holding current.

[Bottle]

Jon

OK, thanks for the link.

It looks like the minimum load current is 0.06A ~ 15W @ 230VAC, so I need to run a couple of strings in parallel to get the minimum load current through the SSR. No biggie  :)

Right, off to do some more shopping!!!

Take care, and thanks for the help

Ta, Ian