scythe wrote:So as the title suggest I'm wanting to make a fairly basic power controller using an SSR.
From my reading in this section and a little bit of background knowledge i've come up with an idea for a basic power controller.
Essentially it will be; power into the SSR, controlled by a potentiometer, and out to the element.
I'm wanting to future proof it so I'm going to build it to be able to power 2x10A elements, I'm not really ever going to have access to a 15A power point for distilling purposes, maybe i might eventually get one put in if I get a lathe, mill or really get into TIG'ing stuff at home but all of that is off in the never never at the moment
You will need to ensure that each element is on separate circuits.
So my idea for now is:
2x SSR-25VA 2W units with heat sinks of some description (1 to start with),
2x 500K ohm 2w pots
2x 240V fans eventually (1 to start with),
2x power meters so I can check on the real time power draw without having to use my fluke meter/transducer.
and enough switches, 2.5mm wiring and cable glands to go around.
Still not sure on what sort of plugs i will use, might go with 15A plugs between controller and elements and then 10A plugs wired with heavy cable for between controller and power point.
I will probably run a dedicated power cable from the fuse box to my stilling area once set up.
15A outlets are excellent peace of mind.
So far i have;
2 potential boxes to use for my controller (powder coated steel), both rescued from my works scrap bin as they didn't suit what they wanted to do with them (should have gotten more as there was at least 15 of them in there at the time),
4m of 2.5mm power lead,
6 or so M16 cable glands,
I'm starting to look at getting the SSRs fairly soon so they are here before Christmas.
Is the agreed safe method still applicable for wiring SSRs?
Yep
The example given is for a PSR.
same same
All that sound good?
Yep :handgestures-thumbupleft:
At the moment i don't see a need to get a 40A SSR, unless you can convince me.
No need...
scythe wrote:I'm going to build it to be able to power 2x10A elements.
maddogpearse wrote:scythe wrote:I'm going to build it to be able to power 2x10A elements.
unless you're going to run 3 separate elements, i don't see any benefit of having a controller to power both elements? You can get any variation of power output from controlling one and just switch the other on/off. Or am i missing something?
scythe wrote:
Still not sure on what sort of plugs i will use, might go with 15A plugs between controller and elements and then 10A plugs wired with heavy cable for between controller and power point.
brewman wrote:Can't see the point in talking legalities in this hobby.
brewman wrote:It can be a problem if you or someone else plugs a 15A device into your controller like a 3600W element.
scythe wrote:Sounds like you will trip the breaker if you only have 1 20A circuit and then you are trying to run 2x 10A elements and sundry lights, pumps, radios, etc.
Or do you have 2 circuits?
scythe wrote:1 element on the 10A.
1 element and the rest of it on the 20A would be my plan.
Less chance of cooking the 20A, even tho it would handle it because of safety factors and such.
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