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| Low current control of triac speed controller? |
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| PP3331:
Hi. I'm using a commercial triac speed controller to control a universal motor that pulls considerable amperage (where "considerable" is no more than 15 amps at 117 volts). I would like to modify the controller so that it will cut all current to the motor, via a relatively small low current micro switch and associated wiring. However, I'm unsure how much current actually flows on the "control" side of the unit (e.g., in series with the control potentiometer) and can not easily measure it without complete preemptive disassembly. Is there any rule of thumb for how much current is actually flowing on that side of the circuit, as opposed to the "hot" side of the triac that is in series with the output load (in this case, the motor)? Thanks! |
| Circlotron:
You could use the microswitch to short gate to MT1 or A1 on the triac. Only about 10-50mA at several volts. Beware!!! These connections are at mains potential so are a safety risk! |
| PP3331:
--- Quote from: Circlotron on December 13, 2018, 04:36:10 am ---You could use the microswitch to short gate to MT1 or A1 on the triac. Only about 10-50mA at several volts. Beware!!! These connections are at mains potential so are a safety risk! --- End quote --- Perfect. Thanks! |
| PP3331:
What kind of wire gauge would I need to be using in this case? The micro switch itself is only capable of dealing with small currents. I'm assuming that in practice the low current capacity switch and thin wire would work, assuming this wiring or switch never contacted ground? Thanks. |
| Circlotron:
For this low current even a single strand e.g. 0.2mm would be enough. Thicker is just fine of course. Just make sure the insulation on the wire is mains rated. That is important. |
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