Young electrician

Status
Not open for further replies.

joeyww12000

Senior Member
Location
Chatsworth GA
On a recent job the lights we installed were fed through relays instead of just coming off load side of the breaker. Stupid question, but why do we use relays? Is this just more convenient than flipping a breaker to control lighting?
 
Another reason is to reduce voltage drop if lighting control from a distant point was required.
The wires may be run from the load center, via a relay, to the lights by the shortest/most direct suitable route.
The wires controlling the relay coil can be of almost unlimited length since they carry only a small current.
 
Easier control of lights.

Don't be afraid to ask questions on the job or anywhere else. It is the best way to learn and understand what is going on. If you dont understand, ASK.

Kelley
 
Another reason is to permit remote, automated control. For example, all lights might be programmed to turn off at a given time of night, and to be turned on again at a given time in the morning, with local override switches available for those who might be working late.
 
It could be a way of having a bunch of lights on one circuit, but maintaining ability to control various lights for different reasons.

A combination of some of the other replies.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top