SA-US11-40 as a high current relay

[myamigo]

I am thinking of converting my light switches from X10 to UPB and I've head a lot of good things about SA products. I would like to implement ON/OFF relay-like control of ceiling fans as well as exterior 500W halogen floodlights. The US11-40's are rated at 900W and the documentation suggests that these switches can be configured as non-dimming, which would be perfect, but in reading related posts here I found this one that causes me concern:

http://board.homeseer.com/showpost.p...61&postcount=3

Could someone that uses SA-US11-40's (or 30's) for larger ceiling fans and halogen floodlights comment on the performance of the switch under these conditions? How long have they been in service? Any issues?

Thanks!

[Uncle Michael]

I use PCS switches, so have no experience with the SA switches, but I've been using a PCS WS1D (600W capacity) set to non-dimming mode to switch a whole house ventilator fan with no problem. One caveat: the switch is in series with a speed control, so my UPB switch is actually supplying power to the speed control, which is feeding the fan. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know if that matters, but it might be protecting the UPB switch.

[nightwalker]

My comment was a cautionary sentence. You won't have any troubles using them for what you've outlined. What i was talking about was for loads rated at AMPS and to not use them when a relay switch is what's really needed. What you can't do is use a dimmer where a relay is needed. Something like trying to control a load like a coffee pot or a stand alone room heater, something with a multiple amp rating.

The loads you're talking about are in the one amp or less range and the switch set to snap on/snap off will work just fine.

[myamigo]

Thanks for your comments Michael... The speed control would limit inrush current to the fan when it powers up so yes your switch would be protected. I think you hit the nail on the head though. The switch would have to be capable of supplying the inrush current when the fan is initially turned on or it might burn like a fuse. This is a technical spec question that SA might be able to answer. I'll try them.

Thanks as well nightwalker but 500w = 4.1A @ 120V so it'll be pulling a fair load. I think I've convinced myself that there won't be any problem with halogen lamps though... there is no inrush as there is for inductive loads (fans and the like).

If anyone can comment specifically on the use of SA switches with ceiling fans that would help.

Cheers!

[Uncle Michael]

Are you sure your fans draw 500W? That seems very high. I have three ceiling fans, and even when all of them are running together my current draw doesn't seem to change noticeably. The estimates I've seen put their power consumption in the 10-50 W range.

[myamigo]

No... my fans would draw far less than 500W although I haven't checked the ones I own. I expect they will down where you suggest but I was wondering about the start-up conditions. I think I'll be fine.

It's time to buy some hardware!

Thanks for your input.

[GlennWo]

I use SA UPB switches exclusively in my house (over 100 total). They power a variety of loads including incandescent, compact fluorescent, regular fluorescent, LED, bathroom exhaust fans, a few halogen, as well as ceiling fans. As long as you configure the switch correctly for dimmable or snap on/off depending on applicable load, you should be fine. I have even tested using the dimmable mode to control speed on ceiling fans but that is not necessarily recommended.

I have been in my current house almost 2 years with zero problems and used this same setup (although not as extensively) in my previous house as well. So, I don't think you will have any problems.

I do have a couple of high powered motors that drive pumps for high pressure misting systems in my current configuration but on those I use a true UPB relay switch.

Hope that helps.

[myamigo]

Thanks Glenn!