Okay,
So my professors told me this was really dangerous but didn't teach me or provide solutions, like all great college professors. Anyways I'm learning to light a lamp using an arduino following this tutorial. Is there anything i should be super aware of before electrocuting myself?
Thanks, I'm slightly scared but I'm going to go ahead and do it because its important to my project.
Being scared is not enough to keep you safe. Learn how to do it first. Then ask us if you have missed anything.
Grumpy_Mike:
Being scared is not enough to keep you safe. Learn how to do it first. Then ask us if you have missed anything.
Which is what I'm trying to do. And due to this video I know how to. But the video itself doesn't provide any safety concerns or warnings which is what I'm trying to learn from others. I looked at other videos and information on how to do this but they all have their own ways of doing it and I don't have the parts to do it their way.
6 minutes "learning"..!!
Seems to me you didn't listen intently enough to your professor either.
Many articles have been written about idiots who top themselves by playing with mains electrical.
Best to go the way someone suggested in another article here, and interface using IR beam to a commercial powerboard and "plug in" lights.
Controlling High voltage with Arduino is a very easy process using the digital outputs to feed a low voltage coil relay with high current contacts via relay driver board or transistor diode circuit and high voltage side is on relay contacts only seperated from Arduino but the danger of high voltage shock still exists if ya stick your finger in the socket
Changing a light bulb or pumping gas can be dangerous.
But following common rules of safety for electricity will keep things in line.
By the way 115VAC is not high voltage.
Be aware that there are electrical codes that must be followed in almost any country, state, etc. You should study the laws in your locality before you start your project.
The simplest safest way to control an AC light with an arduino is a Solid State Relay because it only requires a 5V dc signal to turn it on.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IG1NC-210D-Solid-State-Relay-10A-Output-0-220VAC-1pcs-/360614748118
When ordering solid state relays online , MAKE SURE it says AC and not DC since they sell both types online.
Of course a 5V dc relay module would also work but my preference is the SSR.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/201167499181?lpid=82
If you have never used an SSR , treat it as an SPST relay used to switch the HOT (LIVE in UK) lead ONLY . DO NOT alter the Neutral wire. That should remain untouched. AC devices are switched using the HOT lead ONLY or both leads if a DPST switch is desired.
Attaching anything to the permanent wiring of a structure falls under your local jurisdiction, which in the US, is generally the NEC (National Electrical Code). And, basically anything you make is illegal under the NEC because it is not UL certified.
The rules are more relaxed for things you plug in to a wall socket, because the danger of burning your house down is slightly reduced. Still, be careful. Use an enclosure to prevent fingers from touching 120VAC, switch on the hot, etc. For bonus points, plug into a GFCI outlet or use a plug-in GFCI unit (available at your local home improvement store).
And, basically anything you make is illegal under the NEC because it is not UL certified.
UL certification is only required (sometimes) for products . If you are making a project and not a product for sale, then the only question would be whether or not you are violating NEC . NEC violation are taken more seriouly if whatever you do poses a fire hazard. Strangely enough, the authorities don't mind so much if you electrocute yourself as long as you don't start a fire that could endanger your neighbors. In short, if you're going to be reckless, do it fire - safely (be fire conscious ).
Safety tips:
Work on a non conductive surface (wooden table for ex.)
Unplug the mains cicuit from the wall everytime before doing changes to circuits.
Work with isolated wires.
Use electrical tape on naked wires or unions to isolate.
Work with non conductive shoes and chair and protection gloves if posible.
Check your home protections are working fine (they are the last resort to protect you).