Relay on LOR AC controller

[eurbani]

I'm searched the boards and there seems to be two answers to this question. I'm looking for insight from someone who has connected a 120VAC relay to a LOR controller output.

Do I need a snubber (or a C9 acting as a snubber)?

or

Will the relay itself work without causing damage to the controller?

This post says it is necessary.

But there are many other posts that only mention a relay without a mention of the snubber. I have third gen controllers. My understanding is that they don't need snubbers. Does that apply to the use of a relay also?

Lastly, is the snubber there to protect the controller or is it just there to make sure the the relay functions properly?

[Tim Fischer]

I think the general recommendation is to use a snubber or other small load. That said, I've been using a relay for 10 seasons (to provide a low-voltage sync pulse for some large strobes) with no issues, sans-load/snubber.

[tjflory]

I used 6 relays for 8 24 volt (AC) water valves in my July 4 show without a problem.

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Relays_-z-_Timers/Electro-Mechanical_Relays/Square_-z-_Cube_Relays,_Plug-In,_3A_-_15A_%2878x-z-_Qxx-z-H78x_Series%29

tj