I am planning doing a simple light automation for my room using arduino and relays. I researched a lot on this topic but couldn't find a definitive solution or answer, so i have gathered all the details and listed down what i would do and would like your thoughts on it.
What i want to do :
Control 2 lights ( 15 - 20W CFL's and 40W tubelight ) using arduino through relay while still maintaining physical control, ( for convenience and incae arduino fails ).
Options considered. Option 1 Option 2 ( Going with this option right now )
Can anyone confirm if the option I selected and the hardware shortlisted are good, and if i am on the right tracks towards what i want to do.
this will be a test rig for me to check if I can realy do it and if its really a good feasible and long term thing, if it works I will be doing wiring of my house and will be implementing it in every room.
I am not familiar with the Induino platform so I can't guide you there. Can you still run your solution to on an Arduino Uno? There is a lot more support online for the Arduino platform.
Hello, I too am in the same boat. I've learned thus far that you need to ensure that the Arduino/Induino can source the power requirements of the relays. I've seen a few different references on power limits of the Arduinos, but the most I've encountered is 40mA per pin or 200 mA measured across all the pins at every moment in time while powered on.
For me, I opted to test the relay waters by purchasing a cheap 1 channel relay module and come to find in the data sheet that the nominal coil current draw is something like 180 mA, so I now need to power this module with a separate DC power supply that can source that current in a 5 volt signal.
So do take the time to locate the data sheet for your specific relay board/component and check to see what the power requirements are and if you didn't yet order, you might be able to first see what these ratings are before wasting money like I did.