Using RC-4 with black light and Strobe light

[HauntedWolf]

Before I do something stupid, I thought I'd check with the collective.  If it's October, Haunted Wolf has last minute prop ideas!

I have a new prop that I am planning to control with a Prop-1.  The prop is in a room that is lit with a black light.  When triggered, I want the black light to turn off, wait a sec, activate an air cylinder, then turn on a strobe light.  After the show, the strobe turns off and the black light turns back on.  I am planning on connecting extension cords to the RC-4 and plugging in each of the lights.

Both the strobe and black light are 120 VAC.  The black light is a 24" tube.  I've had this RC-4 sitting around for several years, and I'm happy I've finally thought of a way to use it.

Is there any problem with what I am thinking about?

Thanks in advance!

[JonnyMac]

Check the rating on the blacklight and on the strobe.  As long as it's under 360W you will be fine.

[HauntedWolf]

Sweet!  I figured that would be the case!  Thanks Jon!

[HauntedWolf]

Another, perhaps dumb, question...When I am connecting the extension cord to the RC-4, does it matter which wire I clip in the extension cord (ribbed or not).  Both lights are AC.

Thanks again!

[bsnut]

Its not hard or a dumb question at all.

The hot (black wire) gets connected to one screw the terminal block for what relay you are going to use and the other wire from your light gets connected to the other screw on the same terminal block and the other side of your light gets connected to the neutral(white wire).

Here is the diagram from the RC-4 PDF showing how it's connected to AC load, such as your light.

[livinlowe]

To further what william said, on the plug of your black light there is a thinner prong and a thicker prong. The thinner one is the hot side of your circuit, that is the wire you would cut

[bsnut]

Thanks Shawn for making that point about how to identify the hot and neutral on a plug. I should've stated that in my last post since I'm electrician by trade.

One thing to remember is AC voltage has no polarity like DC. So, if you have the black(hot) hooked up wrong that is shown in the diagram that I posted don't worry it will still work.