Controls for a large RV storage facility

[hmspe]

I am working on a large RV storage facility that will have multiple 4800 square foot shade structures. Each will have LED lighting and 12 receptacles. All lights on the site need to be switched together. The owner wants the receptacles to be switched so they are on 3 hours a day so that they are used for battery charging only. Having a separate multi-channel time clock on each of the 67 structures would work, but I would prefer to use a central controller so there is only one control point. Some of the control wiring runs will be 1500'. Each structure will have a local panel (NEC 225). I'm thinking a relay panel or equal at each structure, with the relays controlled from the central controller. My first thought was 4-20ma with solid state relays but I'm not finding SSRs that have 4-20ma control and on/off operation.

Looking for suggestions on the best approach for the controls (AC, DC, 4-20ma, etc.) to have a reliable system, and for a good source for components. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bugman1400]

1500' is a long way to use a 4-20mA signal. Perhaps using a comm signal (RS-485/422) is better suited. You should be able to find some cheap I/O modules that talk RS-485 and could control the individual contactors.

 

[LMAO]

I am working on a large RV storage facility that will have multiple 4800 square foot shade structures. Each will have LED lighting and 12 receptacles. All lights on the site need to be switched together. The owner wants the receptacles to be switched so they are on 3 hours a day so that they are used for battery charging only. Having a separate multi-channel time clock on each of the 67 structures would work, but I would prefer to use a central controller so there is only one control point. Some of the control wiring runs will be 1500'. Each structure will have a local panel (NEC 225). I'm thinking a relay panel or equal at each structure, with the relays controlled from the central controller. My first thought was 4-20ma with solid state relays but I'm not finding SSRs that have 4-20ma control and on/off operation.

Looking for suggestions on the best approach for the controls (AC, DC, 4-20ma, etc.) to have a reliable system, and for a good source for components. Thanks in advance.

4-20mA is used for analog (continuous) signals; you have only two states: on/off (digital). Am I missing something?

 

[just the cowboy]

Don't over do it

Don't over do it

Keep it simple timer at each location. Seems like a waste of time and money to do it with control wires.

 

[zbang]

If you do want central control, then rs485 is the way to go, but in the end separate timers will probably be much cheaper. Beware of a turn-on surge when activating all the receptacles at once (20 chargers and vent fans kick on at once).

 

[hmspe]

Thanks to all.