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Unread 08/07/2007, 09:58 PM   #1
shelburn61
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Can I add a relay to an appliance timer to run 2 lights on reverse photoperiod?

I'd like to use 1 timer to switch my fuge and main lights on/off opposite each other. I guess it's more complicated than splicing a relay into the power chord for the first light?


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Unread 08/07/2007, 10:28 PM   #2
funman1
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Actually it's not that bad.
I did this for my nanos.
Just get a project box from Radio shack and a 120VAC relay with Normally Open AND Normmaly Closed contacts.
Have the timer control the relay and the power for the lights come off the relay contacts.

Don't know how DIY are with power so let us know.
This is not a complete set of instructions..

Let us know if you need a wiring diagram. I'm off to bed for the night soon but there are others who can draw this out very easily for you if they have a chance to, before I'm back on again tomorrow night.....


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Unread 08/08/2007, 02:28 AM   #3
Are Grimstad
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Not hard to make actually..

But you will have a safer, cheaper, prettier and more flexible solution if you just use two timers



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Unread 08/08/2007, 08:22 AM   #4
shelburn61
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Quote:
Originally posted by funman1
Actually it's not that bad.
I did this for my nanos.
Just get a project box from Radio shack and a 120VAC relay with Normally Open AND Normmaly Closed contacts.
Have the timer control the relay and the power for the lights come off the relay contacts.

Don't know how DIY are with power so let us know.
This is not a complete set of instructions..

Let us know if you need a wiring diagram. I'm off to bed for the night soon but there are others who can draw this out very easily for you if they have a chance to, before I'm back on again tomorrow night.....
Cool. Think I got it. Can you give me specs on exactly what kind of relay I need to handle household current?


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Unread 08/08/2007, 08:35 AM   #5
30mini
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I'd like to see a wiring diargram on this!


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Unread 08/08/2007, 01:03 PM   #6
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What about this? Red is hot, white is neutral. I'm not sure what to call the "connector", but hopefully you will understand my crude drawing



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Unread 08/08/2007, 07:07 PM   #7
funman1
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Here is my crude drawing but you should be able to figure it out.
Make sure you connect to the relay in a safe manner (Stakeons, solder, or such) and make sure you put ANY exposed wire and relay in a project box of some kind to prevent access to touching contacts when running.

You could even connect 2 female plugs to the relay to make it even safer.

Here is a relay that would work for your project (PROVIDED you don't exceed 10 amps worth of output/input) Which 10 amps is ALOT of lights, About 1,200 Watts or so....
A relay you could use for 10 amps http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

Wires do NOT connect when they cross, unless there is a dot on the cross connection.
Your timer may not have a ground so that's why it's dotted (optional)

So all neutrals are common to each other as seen.
White = Neutral
Red = Hot 120VAC
Green = Earth Ground




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Unread 08/08/2007, 07:34 PM   #8
rakeck
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If you'll shop around at major online aquarium supply houses at timers, you'll find one or two that offer this feature (alternating power banks), built-in. Such as the Coralife Power Center. Not sure of the reliability/quality of these power strips, but it has to be better than doing all that DIY stuff and trying to keep everything tidy and safe.


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Unread 08/08/2007, 07:37 PM   #9
funman1
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But where's the fun in that


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Unread 08/09/2007, 11:06 PM   #10
shelburn61
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Quote:
Originally posted by rakeck
If you'll shop around at major online aquarium supply houses at timers, you'll find one or two that offer this feature (alternating power banks), built-in. Such as the Coralife Power Center. Not sure of the reliability/quality of these power strips, but it has to be better than doing all that DIY stuff and trying to keep everything tidy and safe.
You're in the wrong forum

I actually got the idea from a coralife timer I had. It lasted 6 months.

This will run me ~$10 compared to $30 and last much longer. Is any of Coralife's stuff worth a crap? (I haven't found anything)

Funman,
Thanks for the help! What are "safe" connections for aquarium stuff? What's a stakeon?


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Unread 08/09/2007, 11:26 PM   #11
shelburn61
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Quote:
Originally posted by funman1

So all neutrals are common to each other as seen.
White = Neutral
Red = Hot 120VAC
Green = Earth Ground

I think I understand:

-Timer is connected as usual to outlet.
-One lead from both lights is connected to one side of the extension chord coming out of the timer.
-I splice the relay into the other side of the chord coming from the timer with the remaining lead from each light wired to either the NO and NC contact.

Advice on wiring this thing and how to make this as safe as possible is much appreciated!


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Unread 08/10/2007, 06:04 AM   #12
30mini
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Quote:
Originally posted by shelburn61
Advice on wiring this thing and how to make this as safe as possible is much appreciated!
Solder everything together that you can, cover all your solders in shrink wrap tubing, and just make sure that none of it is exposed.


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