120v 20amp switch

[Bensiff]

I'm building a BCS controller powered with 120v 20 amp. I'm trying to figure out what sort of switch to use to turn on the main power. I can't find a switch that handles 20 amps so that means I need something like a relay but I can't find a 110v 20 amp relay. Any thoughts on what would be the best solution for this?

 

[RufusBrewer]

These guys look to be popular around these parts.

http://www.zoro.com/search?q=RELAY

 

[CGish]

One way to do it is use the switch to trigger a contactor. One like this, then run power from the AC hot input -> panel switch -> contactor coil -> ground. This setup means very little power runs through the switch, allowing you to use a standard, box store toggle or rocker switch.

 

[Bensiff]

One way to do it is use the switch to trigger a contactor. One like this, then run power from the AC hot input -> panel switch -> contactor coil -> ground. This setup means very little power runs through the switch, allowing you to use a standard, box store toggle or rocker switch.

That is what I was thinking but they are all 2 phase. Is there one that is designed as a 120v single phase or is it a simple matter of only wiring 1 contactor and letting the other go unused?

 

[iijakii]

The one he linked is double pole, so you can switch both your hot and neutral. If youre only wanting to cut off the hot then look for a SPST relay. Or you could go with that one and just bypass it with the neutral... not sure if there's much of a price difference.

 

[iijakii]

These Auber mini-relays are pretty nifty if youre just wanting single pole. http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_31&products_id=250

But going back to just basics - I'm pretty sure about every Home Depot I've been in has a 120v 20A switch. Have you checked? If youre not wanting bling then they for sure have light/toggle switches that'll work.

 

[The10mmKid]

If we had details on your controller maybe we can find a switch.

I wouldn't be opposed to using one of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Decora-Plus-20-Amp-Switch-White-R52-05621-2WS/100357015

'da Kid

 

[Bensiff]

The only 20 amp switches I saw are the wall type switches and a toggle switch and I really don't want either. So sounds like I'll do the spst and use the type of switch I want on the controller.

This build is a BCS for fermentation control so it only needs enough juice to power a small AC unit, a pump, and some motorized ball valves.

 

[seven9st_surfer]

Something like THESE?

 

[Bensiff]

Those are the toggles I found that I want to avoid. I have these:

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_32&products_id=328

On my brewery panel and want to keep the appearance consistent. I have an aubur order I need to make so I think I will get on of their DIN contractors per the above suggestion and just leave one of the sides unused.

 

[Firewalker11]

Better question is, what is you total load? Do you have a 20A load? If so, get a contactor from fleabay for $10, never mind if it's single, two or three phase, the contactor has separate legs for each phase.

If your load is less than 20A, use the appropriate switch for 150% of your max load.

Lots of ways to skin felix.

 

[Rivenin]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-PK-ROCKER...602-/311112493422?hash=item486fbfe96e&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ON-OFF-...474?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d2b28a8d2

both those are 125v 20 amp switches, should be just fine

EDIT - i do use very similar ones to the 2nd posted and work perfectly fine
were switching my 2000w elements and now a contactor for my 2400w setup

 

[BBBF]

These Auber mini-relays are pretty nifty if youre just wanting single pole. http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_31&products_id=250

But going back to just basics - I'm pretty sure about every Home Depot I've been in has a 120v 20A switch. Have you checked? If youre not wanting bling then they for sure have light/toggle switches that'll work.

I use the mini relays on my RIMS panel. They're good.

 

[iijakii]

I use the mini relays on my RIMS panel. They're good.

Yeah I have two in my panel and no complaints.