Not used contactors before in any of my jobs but wondering if I need to on this one. What I have is approximately 20 no. 180W tubular heaters that I am fitting to the undersides of the rows of pews. I want to time these to switch on for 2 hours before each service. Total load would be switched in groups of 10 so, say, 10 heaters on the LHS and 10 on RHS. 1800W each side. 7-8A so perhaps just switch using standard timers? or would it be better with one timer and 2 sets of contactors? Just wondering which way to go. Anyone help please?
"If you are an electrician you are an Electrician whichever way you look at it."said unphased from his other ramblings never used contactors * no hope for you better ask the congregation to pray for you cheers Message was edited by: Screwfix Moderator
I would just use 2 x bog standard time switches, one for each side. Forget about a contactor in this instance. Sounds like a nice job UP.
Wack em all on together using a suitable timer or small contactor and timer, it's only just over 3.5kW in total. My Kettle is 3kW! :^O
Definitely best with one time switch for one side and another one for t'other side..at least if one side goes down you still have t'other bank.
I'm working for god next week - wiring up gas heaters in a church in Enfield. Timers are usually put in a lockable enclosure so interfering busybodies can't mess up the times. Stick a 20A switch before the timer for isolation.
I would prefer to see a single contactor installed, controlled by a single time clock. Use two poles of this single contactor to switch the two circuits. IMO anyway.
Guys, the installation is now nearly two years old and is working perfectly okay how I installed it. This is an old post dragged up by mr stupid so no point responding any more. Thanks.
Hows come the original post shows 21st may 2011? Or am I missing something? How did you do it in the end anyway?
It's cause UP has edited it Lec and hence the date changes. Tiz a good giveaway if someone notices a bit of a gaff later on and decides to try and sneak a quick edit in on the sly! If U look at JP's, mine & gerrins posts you'll see they are still original from back in 2009.
Thats **** isn't it - It should show the original post date and then an "edited by UP on xxx" tag at the bottom like other forums!