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Where may I find these components?
Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 3:42 am
by Joe4751
I want to find a build a device or purchase a device that wil turn on a 120 volt light by using a pressure sensitive switch. This will be outdoors and possibly exposed to moisture.
Would it be safer if the switch circuit was DC? If yes, how do set up a relay to turn on the 120 volt AC lamp?
Any design help or advice would be appreciated.
Re: Where may I find these components?
Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 3:51 pm
by Biffo
I would not recomend using any household main supply (120-240 volts) to switch things outside for the following 3 reasons.
1.A damp spell could cause your main fuses or trips to cut out,cuasing havoc in your premises.
2. Someone standing on it could get electricuted
3. Even someone hostile entering your premises could sue if they got burnt or electricuted.
Isolated Low voltage (4-24volts) is the way to go and means you can take liberties with the set up.
For example you could use a doormat pressure switch which should be available from alarm installers, or you could make your own with an ordianary push button switch with a piece of wood fitted on top the length of the area you wish to cover.
After this you could run the cable to an isolated 120volt relay which has low voltage switching