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Relay Switch Question

2K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  jbfan 
#1 ·
I'm trying to use a relay to control an instrument that uses a 120VAC source. I need to control the relay (basically the coil) using a 5V signal. So it would have to be on a normally closed circuit and when I send the 5V signal it would break the circuit and turn the instrument off. So my question is, what relay would I need ? do I need to use 2 relays in series, as in a smaller relay to handle the 5V signal and and larger one with a higher contact rating for the 120VAC circuit?

I am limited to using whatever is available at radioshack...

Thanks,
Amir.
 
#2 ·
common relays available at Radio Shack are going to have 12V or 24V coils most likely. Plus you may run into issues with the 120V contacts handling the load you have in mind. What exactly are you up to?
 
#4 ·
Before you spec a relay you need to know:

120 VAC load in amps or watts

The available 5 volt signal output in milliamps (you probable will have to use a coil rated at 6 volts). Whether the 5 volts is AC or DC.

You should find a single relay or contactor that will meet your specs.

Order on line.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I'm trying to use a relay to control an instrument that uses a 120VAC source. I need to control the relay (basically the coil) using a 5V signal. So it would have to be on a normally closed circuit and when I send the 5V signal it would break the circuit and turn the instrument off. So my question is, what relay would I need ? do I need to use 2 relays in series, as in a smaller relay to handle the 5V signal and and larger one with a higher contact rating for the 120VAC circuit?

I am limited to using whatever is available at radioshack...

Thanks,
Amir.
Relays:eek:.. gotta dust off the cobwebs for that one. A regular single pole double throw with contacts rated at 115V ??A and coil rated for 5V?C ??A would work. Just wire the N.C. to the load. I think you will have a difficult time finding a relay with a 5 volt coil that isn't a circuit board mount.
An idea of the project would help. The way you have it described is the load would be re-energized whenever you lost the 5 Volts for whatever reason. I thought most stuff like that is done with solid state these days. Radio Shack has been pretty much a joke the last decade or so unless you wanted some high end audio or video stuff.
 
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