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Controlling 110/120V with a 3V signal? Possible? 2

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USAeng

Mechanical
Joined
Jun 6, 2010
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I know its an odd question... but is it possible and if so how could you turn off/on the power from a normal wall outlet by using a 3v signal (2 AAA batteries)? It would be a push button that supplies the 2-3volt off/on signal.

Thank you
 
There are all kinds of gizmos that allow computers to control appliances. Have you googled?

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(2B)+(2B)' ?
 
yes I was trying to google like "control 120v 3v signal" type entry, but nothing much relavent was coming up... I tried looking at relays but I dont know enough about controls and electronics to do much good... is there some kind of gizmo that I should google in particular in the case of controling 120v with 2AA batteries?

Thanks a lot
 
How about a small 3V relay? I'm not sure if they make them for 3V, but certainly for 5V. These small relays are used for low currents, so if you need more than an Amp or two you might use the low voltage relay to drive a 120V relay which switches on the 120V.

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If it is broken, fix it. If it isn't broken, I'll soon fix that.
 
I cant find anything on McMaster... but there's prob much better sites for this type of thing... anyone know of one in particular I should check out? It has to be 3v... its 2AA batteries and a push button
 
Solid-state relays for 120 VAC are very common. One everyday use is for traffic signals. These take from 3 to 32 V in and control up to 20A @ 240 VAC depending on model.

I'm going to use one tonight to arrange a Halloween pumpkin... Control a light bulb in the pumpkin with the SSR, and trigger it by paralleling a public address speaker output with the SSR input. The light 'talks' with the voice, and scares the heck out of the trick or treaters.
 
Awesome... thanks a lot.

I will have to find one cheaper than $64 though... but at least I know what to look for now.

Have a good one guys
 
If you're trying to remotely and inexpensively control a 120VAC outlet you might consider using existing products similar to this "remote control switch socket":
 
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