# Will I need an RC snubber for my project? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Electronics\ **Created:** [June 4, 2025, 12:39pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658 "2025-06-04T12:39:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![chrisd79](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/chrisd79/32/1099136_2.png) [@chrisd79](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/chrisd79)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 12:39pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/1 "2025-06-04T12:39:32Z")
I'm using an arduino nano ESP32, S8050 NPN transistors, a 5V external supply, 3 230V 8W solenoid valves and a WPM400 4-channel relay module. I've connected the solenoid valves to the relays and switching the relays with transistors (I have 5V relays and a 3.3V board), which will switch the 230V supply for the solenoid valves. The only problem is I'm not sure if I'm going to need an RC snubber for each solenoid valve due to the solenoids being inductive loads. The relay module can switch 250V 10A AC non-inductive loads, but as my inductive load isn't high (8W per solenoid valve), I don't think it should be too bad- just unsure whether I need the snubber. The relay module also has opto-isolated inputs, so the snubber would only be for protecting the relay contacts (I think). Can someone help? If you need any more information, just ask. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![kmin](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/kmin/32/1147370_2.png) [@kmin](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/kmin)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 12:44pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/2 "2025-06-04T12:44:38Z")
> [@chrisd79](#): > > I've connected the solenoid valves to the relays via the transistors, Sounds exotic.. ---
**Author:** ![PaulRB](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/paulrb/32/216330_2.png) [@PaulRB](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/PaulRB)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 12:44pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/3 "2025-06-04T12:44:54Z")
You need to post a schematic. It's a very confusing description. What are the transistors for? ---
**Author:** ![chrisd79](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/chrisd79/32/1099136_2.png) [@chrisd79](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/chrisd79)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 12:45pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/4 "2025-06-04T12:45:30Z")
For switching the relays, as they are 5V and my board is 3.3V ---
**Author:** ![kmin](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/kmin/32/1147370_2.png) [@kmin](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/kmin)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 12:49pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/5 "2025-06-04T12:49:10Z")
Rc snubber could help to protect relay contacts and smooth interferences from spikes. > **[RC snubber](https://www.shelly.com/products/rc-snubber)** > > Buy online RC snubber at an irresistible price ⭐ Make your home smarter with a RC snubber from a proven brand - Shelly ---
**Author:** ![PaulRB](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/paulrb/32/216330_2.png) [@PaulRB](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/PaulRB)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 12:49pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/6 "2025-06-04T12:49:13Z")
> [@chrisd79](#): > > I've connected the solenoid valves to the relays via the transistors, This says the transistors are between the valves and the relays. ---
**Author:** ![chrisd79](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/chrisd79/32/1099136_2.png) [@chrisd79](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/chrisd79)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 12:50pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/7 "2025-06-04T12:50:39Z")
Yeah I worded it weird, I just mean the ESP32's I/O is connected to the transistors, with an external 5V supply for switching the relays, which then switches the solenoids. I've fixed it now ---
**Author:** ![chrisd79](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/chrisd79/32/1099136_2.png) [@chrisd79](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/chrisd79)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 1:02pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/8 "2025-06-04T13:02:50Z")
It's probably best to add this just in case. I only heard about an RC snubber today so I didn't even know you could just buy them as a single component. ---
**Author:** ![PaulRB](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/paulrb/32/216330_2.png) [@PaulRB](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/PaulRB)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 1:08pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/9 "2025-06-04T13:08:30Z")
> [@chrisd79](#): > > Yeah I worded it weird QED ---
**Author:** ![kmin](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/kmin/32/1147370_2.png) [@kmin](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/kmin)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2025, 1:23pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/10 "2025-06-04T13:23:14Z")
> [@chrisd79](#): > > It's probably best to add this just in case It rarely hurts. Like you see Shelly recommends to use it with any inductive load on their relays. At least remember them if you ever have weird behavior while turning inductive load off with relays. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/system/32/1140315_2.png) [@system](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/system)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2025, 1:23pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/will-i-need-an-rc-snubber-for-my-project/1386658/11 "2025-12-01T13:23:43Z")
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