Triac circuit connections

[paulca]

I have a beefy triac module I bought years ago until it smoked (there was a thread).  I have discovered the only thing that smoked was a terminal block, due to a lose connection.  So I was intending on putting it back into service.  The thing is, the PCB terminal points are not marked.

Does it actually matter which way the IN and OUT go? 

[Ground_Loop]

The two main terminals can be swapped, but the gate still needs to be switched with respect to the correct main terminal.

[paulca]

The two main terminals can be swapped, but the gate still needs to be switched with respect to the correct main terminal.

So the circuit is already built.  I have read a few guides for setting up my use case again, some mention terminal numbers to connect line in and line out, but my board has no labelling on the terminals.

I have used this device for years, so I'm wondering how I wired it before!

[paulca]

So I assumed the two input terminals could be used in an polarity.  It worked.

However it quickly became apparent the device had issues beyond a loose connection as under 13Amps of load the live wire became increasingly hot which transferred through mains cable all the way back to the plug and made the live pin too hot to touch.

IR camera revealed the source of the heat was the plastic terminal clamp itself.  Registering 105*C after only 5 minute of operation.

I removed the terminal clamp and soldered the mains wires directly to the board. 

Operating temp around the new connections fell to less than 60*C.

Put back into service I was able to brew a beer operating the device at 1500W (50% duty) for over an hour.

Successful repair and no need to buy a replacement device.