Lighting contactor

[Designer69]

I am looking for a typical lighting contactor to use for an office bldg. application to control multiple circuits with one switch.

Basically if you can help with a most common one (mfg/model).

Lastly, how is this typically mounted above the suspended ceiling?


Thanks

 

[drcampbell]

Here's one example of a relay box: https://www.grainger.com/product/SCHNEIDER-ELECTRIC-Relay-Enclosure-6CVA2
It mounts the same way you mount any other metal box -- self-drilling screws, masonry anchors, velcro, duck tape, bubble gum, ...

 

[augie47]

One major decision you need to make is mechanically held vs electrically held. Mechanically held are more expensive but only make noise when energized or de-energized. Electrically held tend to be noisy as long as turned on which can pose a problem depending on location.
(Both are now somewhat outdated by the new electronic lighting systems)

 

[Designer69]

Thanks. Looks like mechanical is the way to go from what I see. eaton has one "C30CNM" and says it's ideal for office buildings. Just under $500 seems expensive though.

Might have them just put in an extra switch and save 1k.


How loud is the noise of these mechanically held, just out of curiousity?

 

[masterinbama]

Siemens makes some nice electrically held one's that are quiet and DIN rail mounted. Will get you numbers in the AM.

Sent from my LGL157BL using Tapatalk

 

[augie47]

Thanks. Looks like mechanical is the way to go from what I see. eaton has one "C30CNM" and says it's ideal for office buildings. Just under $500 seems expensive though.

Might have them just put in an extra switch and save 1k.


How loud is the noise of these mechanically held, just out of curiousity?

If you go that route they do tend to get you attention when closing (or opening), decent CLUNK ! just like the electrically held... but there in no 8 hour HUMMMMMM !
(like that professional wording .. almost as good a decibel info)

 

[Designer69]

I am asking about this bc there were lights in a bunch of closed offices (own circuit) that got all knocked down and made open area. Now these lights are part of a larger open area with other lights (other circuit) which are controlled by wall switch.

Instead of putting a new wall switch for these previously in offices lights, I thought to use a contactor to control them all via one (existing) switch.

But this is becoming a hassle now bc the electrician asked on RFI for details about this.


I am thinking just respond with "put in new wall switch".