Secondary Relay Recommendations For Creative Uses

[Mike Acton]

Folks,
I don’t know if this is the correct thread to post this question, so please let me know if I need to move it, or if you are a moderator, just move it appropriately within the backend.

I have a standard OpenSprinkler setup, but I needed one more valve. I purchased the expansion module, and it works great! Thank you!!

I now have a lot of extra trigger capability and want to trigger other things programmatically. Ideas include replacing my legacy mechanical 240VAC pool timer; on/off bird feeder fountain for my wife; low voltage landscape lighting control; granular 120VAC attic fan control (we live in Arizona); and countless other ideas.

I have searched the forum and read several creative posts. My question to the group is…

What manufacturer/model relays have proven themselves to be both compatible with OpenSprinkler and reliable under most conditions?

Thank you for any guidance provided.

Mike

[Ray]

If you have AC-powered Opensprinkler, you can get 24VAC relays. These are not the most common type of relays, but they are available at digikey.com or mouser.com if you search for 24VAC relays. You likely need to do soldering as these relays come with pins/legs but not screw terminals. You can also use pump start relays, as they are essentially 24VAC relays but primarily used for switching pumps and are quite bulky. I’ve previously written an article about the various options for 24VAC relay:
https://opensprinkler.com/using-24v-ac-relays-with-opensprinkler/

If you have DC-powered OpenSprinkler, you can use solid state relays. These are widely available, and they come with screw terminals so no soldering required. For example:
https://www.amazon.com/SSR-40DA-Single-24-380V-Temperature-Controller/dp/B09NPPLDDT

If you would rather not mess with high voltages and power-line wires, the safest option would be to get an RFToy and RF remote power sockets, then you can use OpenSprinkler to wirelessly toggle power sockest:
https://opensprinkler.com/product/rftoy/

[mb42]

I have had great luck with the Functional Devices RIBU1C Enclosed Pilot Relay
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LESCI2

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