Suitable Relay for UK 240v Use

[Matt Pitts]

Hi There,

I'm trying to figure which relay I should buy for use in the UK to switch a lighting circuit on and off. I'm finding it all a little confusing so I would appreciate some recommendations from anymore here who has successfully setup a suitable relay in the UK.

Looking in the mysensor store [http://www.mysensors.org/store/#relays](link url) there are quite a few options, but I'm still unclear as to which relay would be best for connecting into our 240v UK power?

I'm using 9 watt LED bulbs in my lights, so they are very low power, but I'm not clear as to which relay's are still suitable. Obviously I want to make sure I purhcase the correct ones and don't cause any danger.

[sundberg84]

Hi @Matt-Pitts.
Most common i believe is the mechanical relay. I live in Sweden with 240v as well and use those. Most of the plugs i have purchased have the mechanical click when they are turned on so i think thats the best way. It requires a stable power source though and can cause some interference with spikes. An other option is the SSR relay which doesnt have that but can leak some current.

My suggestion (based only on my small experience) is that you go with a mechanical relay: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575069610&toolid=10001&campid=5337433187&customid=&icep_item=121772136675&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg

[pjr]

Just calculate how much current flow you need and take relays that can handle it.
P=UxI so 9W=240VxI and from there 9W/240V=0.0375A per lamp. With 10A relay you can drive 266 led lamaps ;)