Author Topic: SSR4 Power Source (Odd) Question  (Read 3431 times)

Offline Iced

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SSR4 Power Source (Odd) Question
« on: November 21, 2014, »
This may seem like an odd question but I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if there would be a problem with an SSR4 being powered by a power source that goes through a standard light dimmer.

p.s. I know I could just remove the light dimmer and I could answer 'why?' questions, but humor me please :)   Thanks DIYLA!

Offline n1ist

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Re: SSR4 Power Source (Odd) Question
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2014, »
Most dimmers don't like inductive loads.  If the dimmer was full on or full off, it probably would work, but I'd scope the dimmer's output (ONLY by using an isolated differential probe) to make sure the active element in the dimmer is fully on at full light.

/mike

Offline tbone321

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Re: SSR4 Power Source (Odd) Question
« Reply #2 on: November 21, 2014, »
Actually, most inductive loads don't like dimmers either.  Even at full on, dimmers don't put out a clean sine wave and that distortion can harm some inductive loads.
If at first you don't succeed,
your not cut out for sky diving

Offline n1ist

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Re: SSR4 Power Source (Odd) Question
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2014, »
They work fine on my Variac :-)
/mike

Offline Iced

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Re: SSR4 Power Source (Odd) Question
« Reply #4 on: November 21, 2014, »
Just so I understand, because I'm having a hard time looking up what you guys are talking about :-P 
...I have a string of incandescent lights that are on a standard light dimmer.  If I inserted the SSR4 between the two, you're saying it may or may not work?  Any harm to the SSR4 if I try it?

Offline n1ist

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Re: SSR4 Power Source (Odd) Question
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2014, »
I would not do it UNLESS the dimmer specifically states it works with magnetic low voltage loads or magnetic transformers.  Standard dimmers are designed only for incandescent loads. 

/mike

Offline tbone321

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Re: SSR4 Power Source (Odd) Question
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2014, »
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They work fine on my Variac :-)
/mike

LOL, they might but in that case, you still have A CLEAN 60 cycle sine wave, just at a lower voltage.  This is never the case with a triac based dimmer, and it gets much worse as the dim level decreases.
If at first you don't succeed,
your not cut out for sky diving

Offline Iced

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Re: SSR4 Power Source (Odd) Question
« Reply #7 on: December 09, 2014, »
Thanks guys, I've just gone ahead and removed them from the equation 


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