Photocell load rating ...

[ritelec]

Hi.. Installed 3 low voltage landscape transformers which I would like have energized via a photo cell. They total 600 watts and have toroidal cores.
I went through the photocells at the supply house and of all the manufacturers and VA, they all seam to say rated for tungsten and ballast loads..
Should these tungsten-ballast rated photocells be ok to operate an inductive load??

Thank you

 

[GoldDigger]

The problem, if there is one, will not be because of the inductive load but rather the inrush caused by core saturation and hysteresis when the applied voltage has a random phase at the point the switch closes. As long as there is a load on the transformer, there will not be a large voltage surge on the primary contacts on opening.

 

[ritelec]

Wow !! Ok. Thank you. In it goes.

 

[LarryFine]

If it doesn't last, you could cascade with the photocell controlling a contactor.

 

[ritelec]

My original thought was a contactor then i thought if the photo cell would handle it why not just the photo cell.... I would probably install a timer with the photo cell to have it turn off at some designated time rather than having the lights on all night.
Now I'm considering this Honeywell timer... I think it can be set for dusk and a set time off that will adjust itself for daylight savings time so it doesn't have to be adjusted twice a year. It also looks like it's rated for the load...

I HATE programing these timers, but I think it may be a good way to go...

Please confirm..

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Honeywe...=sku&msclkid=7afcbcf414961193f618e014b2131bc6

Thank you

 

[LarryFine]

I've programmed enough of them that I can do it without the instructions.


I don't know whether I'm bragging or complaining. :roll:

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

If you are leaning towards timer if you haven't already check this one out. This is one of many in the Leviton line of wifi timer switches an dimmers.
Leviton R01-DW15S-1RZ.