Relaying/switching 2000w at 240v

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

First off, posting that this is a bad idea is in no way helpful.

I am looking to complete a custom made power outlet box, controlled by an arduino. Currently I have four small 10amp SSR switching 240v devices in responce to environmental conditions as detected by arduino. I quickly found out that these relays are not up to the task of running a 2000w fan-heater.

While I may not end up using a heater such as above (might end up going a small hair-drier), I haven't been able to find information outlaying what I am looking to achieve. Would anybody like to chime in with their knowledge? i.e. What hardware to use, how to switch a larger relay using arduino, and precautions to take.

Thanks.

2

They should cope with 2kW resistive load like a heater if they are rated 240V, 10A....

What sort are they?

3

The type found here, Wrobot 4-Channel Relay Shield - emartee.com

They heat up until too hot to touch, then the fuse switch of the 4 plug duplex I have modified trips.

4

You can't normally use PCB mounted relays for 10A continuous, that's too much current
for the PCB traces (unless its extra-thick copper like 3oz).

A spade-terminal or solder-lug style relay would usually be needed, and 10A capable
wiring (1.5 mm^2 IIRC).

5

And a mechanical relay would barely produce much heat you'd need one rated for more than 2kw though 3kw? should allow for any give.

Someone is going around starting fires by the smell of it (outside my window)

6

This is what you want to use. And add a heatsink.

http://www.mpja.com/40A-480VAC-Solid-State-Relay-UL/productinfo/17157%20RL/

7

lazaah:
While I may not end up using a heater such as above (might end up going a small hair-drier), I haven't been able to find information outlaying what I am looking to achieve. Would anybody like to chime in with their knowledge? i.e. What hardware to use, how to switch a larger relay using arduino, and precautions to take.

Put a few of them in parallel.

8

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HHC68A-1Z-AC-220V-Coil-General-Purpose-Relay-8-Pins-SPDT-15A-240V-AC-15A-28V-DC-/400580260812?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item5d4471b3cc

3600watt (no heatsink required)

9

cjdelphi:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HHC68A-1Z-AC-220V-Coil-General-Purpose-Relay-8-Pins-SPDT-15A-240V-AC-15A-28V-DC-/400580260812?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item5d4471b3cc

3600watt (no heatsink required)

And whether you're using this one or the other SSR further up, switch the coil on it using a smaller relay like this one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310795345333?var=610219385161&ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

(not my listing but I've used these type of relays)