What Type Of Relay?

[StillLearning11]

I am looking to purchase a relay that will control 3 lighting circuits (120/208V) each having a load of about 1600 VA. I know the basic principle of a relay but have never installed one. I'm assuming I should use a mechanically held type so the coil won't continuously be drawing current? My coil will be supplied by 120V. I am confused about if I should order a 3P single or double throw? With the loads that I have indicated I would like the contacts rated for at least 15A. I have seen some 30A contacts? Is this extreme? And again about the single or double throw?? Also price-wise what would be the least expensive option?

 

[wireguru]

you want to use lighting contactors for the application. Single throw, not double throw.

 

[StillLearning11]

Thank you. So I would request a 3P lighting contacter with contacts rated for 15A?

 

[StillLearning11]

Thank you! So I would request a 3P lighting contactor? Is there an ice cube relay that could accomplish this?

 

[jumper]

Thank you. So I would request a 3P lighting contacter with contacts rated for 15A?

20 amp would be better

 

[iwire]

Is there an ice cube relay that could accomplish this?

Sure if durability does not matter to you.

I would use a lighting contactor. :smile:

 

[StillLearning11]

I would like to mount inside a 4 square box to minimize labor.

 

[iwire]

I would like to mount inside a 4 square box to minimize labor.

I strongly recommend abandoning the idea that you can fit a 3 pole relay with at least a 15 amp rating and all the associated wiring in a 4" square box. Not going to happen without a hammer.

 

[StillLearning11]

What sort of hammer would you recommend? Just kidding! Let say I do go with an 8x8x4 box, I looked up some prices for contacters and found they are priced from $40 - $200 bucks? This seems a bit steep. I was thinking of around $20?

 

[jim dungar]

What sort of hammer would you recommend? Just kidding! Let say I do go with an 8x8x4 box, I looked up some prices for contacters and found they are priced from $40 - $200 bucks? This seems a bit steep. I was thinking of around $20?

Why do you think it should be so cheap?
Remember you don't get what you don't pay for.

A mechanically help contactor requires an 'on contact' and an 'off contact'. Most more expensive mechanically held contactors have coil clearing contacts, so you could control them with a standard 1pole, 2throw (i.e. a 3-way) switch. However less expensive contactors require a 3-position momentary switch.

What type of load are you actually switching, tungsten (a standard lamp), fluorescent, halogen? It makes a difference for the contact ratings. For example, a 15Amp ice cube relay may be rated for only 2A of tungsten switching.