Anybody here ever work with high voltage circuits? I'm creating a
low-volage / high-voltage hybrid circuit for the first time; a digital
circuit (low voltage, 5DCV) controls the logic portion, and uses two
relays to control two light-bulbs (high voltage, 110ACV). And I'm
wondering:
1. How much current usually goes through those 60W light bulbs?
How much current is required to make it look bright enough?
My guess would be:
110ACV * I = 60W
=> I = 0.55A (max)
And I'm using a 1A relay rated at 120ACV, so my guess would be
that I can hook up this relay to the light bulbs directly.
But when I did that, once the light bulbs were turned on,
they stayed turned on (I couldn't turn off the relay connection
-- apparently the connections got fused together.)
2. So my idea was to force-limit the current. I got new relays
(same kind) and bought 1W resistors (200 Ohms... actually, two 100
Ohm resistors soldered together.) Once I got them in circuit,
it had two problems:
a. The light bulbs were too dark, and too slow to lighten up.
Apparently too much resistance?
b. I started seeing smokes come out around the resistors.
I don't know if this is because the resistors need to be
higher wattage, or if the current is melting the solder.
I'm pretty sure the electrical wires are good enough for
this project (it's rated at 700V), although if the solder
is melting (meaning it's at least 400 degrees Ferenheit)
then it could be also melting the electrical tape.
Ideas?
I need to know if I need to switch to higher rated relays, and if so, to
what. Also I need to know if I need to use a different resistor and/or do
not use solder. I'd really appreciate any suggestions from anyone
knowledgeable in this field. Thanks!
-Mark
PS: I know this is off-topic but I figured someone here might know.
Besides, we've been quiet on this list for a while. Also, this circuit is
for LUGOD anyway.
---
Mark K. Kim
http://www.cbreak.org/mark/
PGP key available upon request.
