Dcroc Posted June 21, 2015 Posted June 21, 2015 I've been looking into a relay for fog machines so I can trigger them with a LOR AC controller. Was just wondering if I can use a 12v DC controller to do the same? Instead of a relay, can I simply wire it up so that a channel on my RGB controller board can close the circuit on the fog controller button?
Max-Paul Posted June 21, 2015 Posted June 21, 2015 Not sure if you are asking "can I use a relay for this?" or not. Any time you are going to run or control something other than a resistive load. It is wise to use some form of relay or Solid State Relay.
Dcroc Posted June 21, 2015 Author Posted June 21, 2015 Actually, I'm asking if I can use a channel on a 12v DC RGB controller board as a relay?
EmmienLightFan Posted June 21, 2015 Posted June 21, 2015 ??????????NO It is hard to understand what you are asking. How would you connect it? Low voltage dimmers are not relays and I can't see how they can be used as one without an actual relay. The switch for a smoke machine normally runs at 120/240v and powers the pump which pumps the smoke fluid, and those are not normally 12v.
Dcroc Posted June 21, 2015 Author Posted June 21, 2015 A relay would be 110 in and a low voltage,if any, out. Would it not?
Max-Paul Posted June 22, 2015 Posted June 22, 2015 (edited) No... Lets break down a relay. On the controlling side is a coil. This coil is built with a x gauge wire that has y number of turns. So the coil could be wound for a A.C. voltage or D.C. voltage and common A.C. voltages are 110, 220, or 480. While D.C. common voltages can be 5, 6, 12, 24 or 48. So you would select a D.C. voltage that your power supply is putting out and wired to that controller. Now the controlled side of the relay is a set or sets of contacts either spst, spdt or dpdt being the common types of contacts. In your application from what you have described would be a spst or much like a light switch, one switch does the trick. The spdt would be alike your 3 way light switch, one at the top of the steps and one at the bottom. These contacts are isolated from the coil side or the controller side. Thus the voltage on the contacts can be anything. A.C. or D.C.. 5 volts or 480 if it is rated on the contacts to go that high. And before anyone hangs me for it. Yes 24VAC is a common voltage too.Mostly in your HVAC units. Edited June 22, 2015 by Max-Paul
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