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psubrewer · 06-14-2012, 03:17 PM

I think most people toast ssr because of improper heatsinking whether it be undersized, incorrect orientation, lack of a heatsink compound, lack of airflow. I would spend my money on these things before upgrading to a specific brand of relay.

ShakerD · 06-14-2012, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psubrewer

I think most people toast ssr because of improper heatsinking whether it be undersized, incorrect orientation, lack of a heatsink compound, lack of airflow. I would spend my money on these things before upgrading to a specific brand of relay.

Maybe but I don't think that was my case. I have a heat sink attached, thermal grease and fan blowing air right at the heat sink. I personally think it was the $5 ssr.

psubrewer · 06-14-2012, 05:41 PM

The failure rate of SSR relays reported on this board is several orders of magnitude above what would be acceptable in an industrial application ASSUMING the component is not subject to electrical or thermal overstress.

Perhaps you received counterfeit relays and thats a whole other issue. If you're worried about this, your best bet would be to buy from a reputable component supplier (ie. not eBay).

For what its worth, I'm using a cheap-o eBay 40A SSR and its working fine for me with a 5500W ULWD element.

**Airplanedoc** · 06-14-2012, 05:49 PM

FYI they are all made by the lowest bidder in china

**passedpawn** · 06-14-2012, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airplanedoc

FYI they are all made by the lowest bidder in china

That's not true. Why say that?

**P-J** · 06-14-2012, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by passedpawn

That's not true. Why say that?

Exactly.! (And - Well said on your part.)

P-J

Rbeckett · 06-14-2012, 11:10 PM

How many amps was the Op pulling through the 40A relay? Minimal, maximal or some percentage in between? Reason I ask is I have a few of the Fotek cheapies and wonder if they are just under rated. Like really a 25 A when Labeled as a 40A or something. Prior to failure what was the symptoms that led you to a faulty SSR? Just wonderin.....
Wheelchair Bob

ShakerD · 06-15-2012, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rbeckett

How many amps was the Op pulling through the 40A relay? Minimal, maximal or some percentage in between? Reason I ask is I have a few of the Fotek cheapies and wonder if they are just under rated. Like really a 25 A when Labeled as a 40A or something. Prior to failure what was the symptoms that led you to a faulty SSR? Just wonderin.....
Wheelchair Bob

It is a Fotek 40a

I have one 5500w ULWD element at 220v.

On a side note I noticed a faint plastic burning smell a couple of brews ago. I inspected the whole control box and couldn't find a chard wire. It must have been the SSR. I think I am going to cut it apart and see what's inside.

Rbeckett · 06-16-2012, 12:16 AM

The top center panels come off easily. They are a snapped on item only. I would be interested in the rest of the parameters so I dont have an issue similar to yours. Thanks for the info so far.
Wheelchair Bob

**Walker** · 06-16-2012, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShakerD

The last cheapy one started to stick only after 2 batches and is now toast 3 more batches later.

That comment caught my attention. The only other time I heard someone talk about an SSR sometimes working and sometimes not working was when they were using a DC model for AC application. I don't remember who it was, but their SSR would just act all sorts of wonky and eventually died.