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Old November 11th, 2007, 15:43   #6
mcguyver
 
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Northern Alberta
Quote:
Originally Posted by Naglfar View Post
Just so you know, a DC current in the range that airsoft guns use may blow that relay...
AC current is actually much less strainful to components than DC because AC does have a 'cooldown' time, where DC is just the solid voltage/current. 8AC Amps may not be enough
Agreed. Relays rated for larger AC voltage will only pass the same current in DC as it's rated for in AC, unless it specifies a lower current for DC use. This is quite common. An 8 amp rating will reduce those contacts to nothing if used in even the most basic of gun systems. It's just a matter of time.

Even though AC has current reversal at 50 times/second (Europe) and 60 times/second in North America, it doesn't render much difference to actual heat build up on the contacts, as current is passing through them still, regardless of direction. A better way to see if a relay is suitable, look to see if it has different rating for resistive or inductive loads. This is representative of use for motors/discharge lighting which is inductive and incandescant lighting which is resistive. A relay rated for 25 amps resistive might only be rated for 18-20 amps inductive. This is due to inrush currents present during motor/ballast start-up.
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