24VAC AC Relay Suggestions

[dun4cheap]

I am looking for a relay that will work with opensprinkler that will allow me to control a string of lights. AC of course.

I tried this relay from Frys, however, there appears that there is not enough amps coming from the controller to completely engage the coil.

 

http://www.frys.com/product/1667853?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

I was wondering if any of you could recommend a relay that will work.

 

Thanks,

 

BTW, I just ordered 3 more OS and 3 more expansion boards. I have 1 test unit in the field now and will most likely deploy another 30 of these this year. I am also building a wifi mesh with ubiquiti PTMP cpe’s. Within the mesh we also have been deploying security cameras. This project is spread out in a 69 acre community.

[Ray]

Thanks for ordering OpenSprinkler.

To answer your question about relay: the one you linked to seems to be a DC relay (specifically the spec says Coil Power is 4 watts DC). I suspect it’s not compatible with OpenSprinkler, because DC relay coils will probably not work well under AC voltage. In the past I’ve used this 24VAC relay with OpenSprinkler:
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TE-Connectivity/RT314524/?qs=%2fha2pyFaduiqgdqtVWfjKo5IK6OgllgyKqIUN%252b%252bDeJ5M3AT%2fmg8vzw%3d%3d
which has worked well. What to look for here is that the coil voltage should be 24VAC (or anything between 22VAC to 28VAC). Of course you should also check the contact rating is sufficient to drive your lights (maximum current, maximum voltage). The one above can switch up to 16 amp and up to 250VAC, which I assume is sufficient for your application.

An alternative solution, which is what I really prefer, is to use a remote power socket, which is low-cost, a lot safer, and requires almost no wiring. The latest OpenSprinkler firmware (2.1.1) has added built-in support for radio frequency power sockets. This is a better solution if you want to switch multiple lights or multiple devices, because it involves no additional wiring from OpenSprinkler. For details you can check this blog post: https://opensprinkler.com/opensprinkler-firmware-2-1-1-new-feature-control-remote-power-sockets/

[dun4cheap]

Ray, thanks for the info. The RF solution looks interesting and simple to do however it is my understanding that it would void the warranty of the OS.

 

Also, I just placed an order for 3 OSP and 3 expansion boards however it said v. 2.1. Will I be getting the 2.2?

 

[dun4cheap]

Ray, thanks for the info. The RF solution looks interesting and simple to do however it is my understanding that it would void the warranty of the OS.

 

Also, I just placed an order for 3 OSP and 3 expansion boards however it said v. 2.1. Will I be getting the 2.2?

 

I am looking for an open face relay, do you think this one will work:

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/electrical/relays-sequencers/relays/general-purpose-power-relay-spst-no-dm-24-coil-voltage

I believe this one is 24VAC..

[Ray]

Well your order has just been shipped otherwise we could have installed the RF transmitter for you. If you’d soldered before, this would be a really easy modification as it’s just three pins to solder. Also, this is easy to expand — if you need to control more devices you can just add more sockets, and there will be no extra wiring or relay.

That being said, I understand some users are more familiar with relays, and they are after all more reliable. Regarding the 24V relay you linked to: it’s not clear to me the coil runs on AC voltage. The page says coil voltage is 24V, with no indication whether it’s AC or DC. All the AC terms are referring to the contact voltage, and not coil voltage.

[Ray]

I just occurred to me that you can also use solid state relays:
http://www.zoro.com/g/Solid-State%20Relay%20AC%20input%20AC%20output%20Crydom/00069396/
look for those that have ‘input voltage’ 18 to 36VAC. These are very easy to wire.

[dun4cheap]

Ray thanks for the info. Researching the solid state relays, I think I found one that will do the job.

CWA2425E

I will let you know how it turns out. BTW, the RF option is interesting, but in the application I am looking to use it, I think the relay is the more reliable way to go.

 

[Ray]

Cool, let me know how it turns out.

[Author]

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