I have decided to use an arduino to control the security lights outside my house. The 10 PIR sensors all have signal lines that terminate at a box in the garage. The feeds to the floodlights then go from this box which controls the timing etc.
I've tested the program (which is fine) so just need to do the physical install. I'm fine with the output side but am a little unsure about the easiest way to tackle the sensing side of the arduino. My intention is to use relays to convert the 240v signal from the PIRs to a 5v.
Can anyone point me to a suitable source/type of of relay/holder that would fit this purpose please?
DVDdoug:
The PIR's are putting out 240V? ...It would have been better to use something different and run low-voltage signal lines.
Yes, relays are a good solution. Almost any 240V relay will work, since the contacts are low-voltage & low-current.
How about the lights? Are you using relays for the lights?
When you've already got 10 PIRs installed around the exterior of your house it makes sense to use them. Also, some of the cable runs are over 40m long and the cable is pretty old. I'd trust a 240v signal more than a 5v one.
Yes, I'm using relays for the lights.
This isn't really anything to do with my issue though. I'm looking for advice on suitable relays for the input.
TKall:
I bought two of these from amazon for my air compressor indicator. So far so good.
Baomain Power Relay MY2N-GS AC 220V-240V Coil LED Indicator 8 pin terminal with DIN Rail PYF8A Socket Base
Thanks very much. That's just the sort of thing I was looking at and I'm sure I could adapt the DIN mounting. Are there any issues with using a DIN item in a non-DIN enclosure (I know this is rubbish terminology, sorry)?
When you've already got 10 PIRs installed around the exterior of your house it makes sense to use them.
Maybe so. I did say "would have" (past tense). I didn't expect you to change your design.
I'd trust a 240v signal more than a 5v one.
We are communicating half-way around the world with low-voltage signals right now!!! (I don't know if you're half-way around the world but I'm pretty sure you are not here in the U.S. where we have 120V.)
You can also buy, if you want, a din rail mount for your uno or mega. It really makes for a nice installation. Add a screw terminal shield and you'll be looking smart!
DVDdoug:
Maybe so. I did say "would have" (past tense). I didn't expect you to change your design.
We are communicating half-way around the world with low-voltage signals right now!!! (I don't know if you're half-way around the world but I'm pretty sure you are not here in the U.S. where we have 120V.)
My favourite thing about internet forums is when people completely ignore your question, then start criticising everything they think you've done in an attempt to prove how clever they are.
Current PIRs are from the existing system. I could spend time/money replacing them or I could just use what's already there. Please go and irritate someone else. You obviously have no intention of helping with the thread topic.
TKall:
You can also buy, if you want, a din rail mount for your uno or mega. It really makes for a nice installation. Add a screw terminal shield and you'll be looking smart!
That sounds like just what I'm after, thank you. Off to ebay I go!
(I don't know if you're half-way around the world but I'm pretty sure you are not here in the U.S. where we have 120V.)