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TOTAL noob question!

Joe American

Feb 12, 2011
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Feb 12, 2011
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Hi, all, I am trying to build a DIY sous-vide cooker,(with no previous circuit-building exp.) and have hit a snag. The PID controller that I bought puts out 8vdc to the spdt relay, but the relay wont close unless it gets 9+ volts. I've looked for a lower voltage relay, and the next one down (so far) is 6V,

Will I overload and kill a 6v relay with 8vdc?

Is putting some kind of resistor inline an option?

Do I have to scrap the PID and buy a different one?

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 

(*steve*)

¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd
Moderator
Jan 21, 2010
25,510
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25,510
What is the relay switching? Is it switching the heating element?

PID controllers often switch the load on and off quickly and VERY often. A relay may have a very short life.

Consider a solid state relay.

SSR's often will work from any voltage from say 3 to 32 volts.

And good luck with your sous-vide cooker.
 

Joe American

Feb 12, 2011
2
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Feb 12, 2011
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2
Hi, Steve, and thanks for replying,
Yes the relay controls the heating element(s).

Having no exp. with these things, is the nomenclature different with solid state circuitry?
 
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