Power Relaying

[atomaka]

Hey all,

I found the tutorial at http://home.bendcable.com/werstlein/ for a way of powering my arcade.  I went into the Radio Shack and asked for a 10-15amp Relay and explained what it was for.   The guy took me over and found me a relay that was 10a.  He continued to look through the drawer and found one that said PC relay on it and looked more like what I was looking for.  Unfortunately, I failed to look at the relay carefully after this and ended up getting a 5a relay.

I was wondering if it is possible for this to be able to work in the setup I am going for.  I intend on running the lights and monitor on the on/off port (and possibly, a fan) and the computer off the other.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.  I would like the avoid driving back and returning it to get another.  It is a long drive.

The exact text on the package is as follows:

Part #: 275-249

DPDT Miniature
PC Relay
12 VDC coil
Rated 5A at 240VAC/24VDC.

[1UP]

Best thing to do  is to add up the power requirements of all the devices you'll be powering.  I think 10-15A is a good value because that's all most power strips are rated for, so as long as you wouldn't go over this value, both your strip and your relay would be safe.

5A is probably a little low.  May handle your PC, light and monitor, but you'd be right on the edge...

[atomaka]

hmm, that's unfortunately to hear.  Dang salesman!

Thanks for the reply 1up.  Unless anyone actually has it working with a 5A Relay, I guess I am back off to Radioshack this week.

[CM]

I used the 275-218 (10A relay) on mine using the same plans you are going from and it works great with PC, TV, marquee, speakers, and additional power-supply wired up.   I had to go to a few radioshacks to find it as it seems they only carry one or two at a time though.  Good luck.