Remote 220-240VAC Switch

Mike-VA3MW · September 2020

I have a customer looking for a 220-240VAC web switch in North America.

I know some of you who are more confident working with 240V have manufactured your own, however I can't seem to find a remote off the shelf switch.

I suspect these are more common in the EU since the higher voltage is standard.

Is there a North American 'off the shelf' certified web switch available that anyone has located?

Mike va3mw

Alan · September 2020

Yes, agree. That is why I built mine. If you want details, let me know and I will post.

If your client only wants to buy a pre-made 240 VAC remote switch, with one socket, I did see the Digital Loggers web site state, that they will custom build switches to customer needs. Worth asking.

Alan

Alan · September 2020

Hi Mike

Digital Loggers, up to 240 VAC, 15 amp per socket.

https://dlidirect.com/products/new-updated-rack-pdu-with-wifi

Alan WA9WUD

Mike-VA3MW · September 2020

Hi Alan

I had a look at that. For others that may wish to use it, if you plug it into a 220 circuit, you can only use 220 devices for switching on the outputs. It will not support both 120 and 220 at the same time.

But, if you are creative, you can make this work just fine.

Mike

John WA7UAR · September 2020

I was looking hard for a similar product and found this unit: the "RPCM AC ATS 16A" smart PDU. Link below:

https://rpcm.pro/en/

Although it is an innovative product, and it is available from distributors around the world, it is apparently only shipped internationally from Russia and customs and shipping costs seemed excessive.

I have a cost that was quoted to me that I can share if contacted privately -- but the digital-logger product in this thread appears to be "good enough" and I am seriously considering it (I wish it supported more than 15 amp.)

Alan · September 2020

Looks similar to:

https://dlidirect.com/products/new-updated-rack-pdu-with-wifi

Alan · September 2020

Rene PA3ECL · October 2020

The Sonoff switches will also be available in a US version (Alieexpress). Little tinkering. Works with the ewlink app and simple operation..

John WA7UAR · October 2020

@Rene PA3ECL please provide a direct link to the Sonoff product here when it becomes available. Thanks.

Rene PA3ECL · October 2020

Take a look here John. Change language and currency and your done. These wifi switches can handle max 10A.

https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/4000106847424.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.17b151e058yGs5&algo_pvid=75ab2682-3b5c-44d7-8f21-29601929460a&algo_expid=75ab2682-3b5c-44d7-8f21-29601929460a-21&btsid=2100bdca16041722213743226e0f65&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

John WA7UAR · November 2020

Thanks @Rene PA3ECL -- while I appreciate the link, I am most interested in a 220-240 V AC Switch that will be able to handle the draw of the PGXL amp (which is rated at 15 amps). If the wifi switches you reference can only handle a maximum of 10A then they are not robust enough for the PGXL. The two other product links mentioned previously in this thread seem better suited for what I am looking for. If anyone has other suggestions for any off-the-shelf product then please do let us know. Best regards to you all.

Mack W4AX · November 2020

John,

I know you said you'd like an off the shelf product but you or an electrician can make one in about an hour. Here the one I made for my PGXL. Buy this contractor: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZRWG9C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wire the 240 VAC through the contactor to a suitable 240 VAC outlet. Plug the PGXL into the outlet. Power the relay on the contactor using a WiFi or wired outlet (doesn't require high current). You're in business. Place the contactor in a NEMA box available at the big box store.

John WA7UAR · November 2020

Thank you @Mack W4AX ! This looks straight forward enough that I might actually try to do it myself! I very much appreciate the picture too.

Mack W4AX · November 2020

John,

let me know If you have questions.

mack

W4AX

Tim VE6SH · November 2020

Mack

Thank you for the link. Exactly what I was looking for. The Amazon.ca link is https://www.amazon.ca/Packard-C340B-Pole-Contactor-Volt/dp/B004ZRWG9C/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Packard+C340B+3+Pole+40+Amp+Contactor+120+Volt+Coil+Contactor&qid=1604341782&sr=8-1 (although Amazon.com will ship it to Canada with no duty).

Tim VE6SH

Mike-VA3MW · November 2020

@Tim VE6SH

Wow, that will do the job.

I am using a DPST Potter and Brumfield 12Vdc relay good for about 15amps on each pole. I think it cost me $12. I have it connected to a socket.

It looks like this.

Mike va3mw

Tim VE6SH · November 2020

@Mike-VA3MW Yes, that would work as well. The other unit looks like something even I could wire together :-)

73

Tim VE6SH

Butch · November 2020

I did something very similar to Mack's arrangement but added a Surge Suppressor

240VAC REMOTE SWITCH 2.pdf

to help minimize any contactor spark & surge, and since I use Insteon devices throughout my home which I have linked to my Amazon Echo devices, I added a fused 120vac control line which connects to an Insteon 120vac Power Module. This allows me to turn my PG-XL on or off via Alexa voice commands. Wiring diagram and photo

IMG_6383.JPG

attached.

Mike-VA3MW · January 2021

Here is another idea I did

https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/8023793/its-been-3-years-now-where-is-my-automatic-tuner-that-was-supposed-to-come-with-my-genius-amp#latest

N5NHJ · January 2021

RACK ATS, 230V, 16A, C20 IN, (8) C13 (1) C19 OUT

RACK ATS, 230V, 16A, C20 IN, (8) C13 (1) C19 OUT Back

AP4423

Commercial solution I'm using at my remote station

Mike-VA3MW · January 2021

@N5NHJ Do you have a link where people can purchase it?

As well, we are looking for something that will work on 240VAC in the EU. Do you know if that will handle it?

73

N5NHJ · January 2021

Sorry, I though I have copied the whole link instead of just pictures...This is a standard APC product sold by APC in USA

RACK ATS, 20A/208V, 16A/230V, C20 IN, (8) C13 (1) C19 OUT - APC USA

It is expensive...

Mike VE3CKO · March 2021

Here is how I built my remote 220-240 switch. I decided to sister the two boxes together which made things a bit easier to assemble. I used a Potter-Bromfield KRPA-11AN-120 relay DPDT 10A 120VAC. Each pole is rated at 10A and I each side of the 220 line on it's own pole obviously. The 120VAC coil is feed to a wifi 120v relay for now which will be changed later when I safely install the relays used for Node Red. Now I don't have to reach to the back of the PGXL to power on/off.

See the coil socket layout on the right.

Pins 2 and 7 go to 120vac, the output of a wifi relay.

Pins 1 and 8 go to the 2 terminals of the 220vac female outlet

Pins 3 and 6 go to the 220vac live line.

KD0RC · March 2021

That looks really nice Mike!

Mike-VA3MW · March 2021

That is essentially what I did, but if you are reading this, you do need to make sure it works with your electrical codes (consider this the legal small print). :)

And, the relay is more than dependable for any HF amp. They use them in commercial factories all the time.

73, Mike va3mw