A TRIAC is an component often used to control high power currents, both as a switch and as a "dimmer"-like construction for controlling lamps or electric engines.
8
votes
2answers
960 views
Why Snub an Optoisolator?
I am using an optocoupler and a power triac to switch 120VAC supply to an ~108 watt fan. The datasheet for my optocoupler requires me to snub the optocoupler output when I'm switching an inductive ...
6
votes
1answer
736 views
Current limiting at mains voltage
I am driving a BTB16-600BW triac using a MOC3052 exactly as suggested in the MOC3052 datasheet:
The current into the power triac gate is limited using the highlighted resistor. My triac requires at ...
1
vote
1answer
2k views
How to use a phototriac coupler to trigger the main triac?
I have in my box of parts a phototriac coupler, namely a Sharp PC3SD21NTZ (datasheet), which is a zero cross type. I don't know how to use it, but I've been meaning to learn for a while.
This part is ...
7
votes
1answer
793 views
What's the difference between 3 and 4 quadrant triacs?
I'm looking at triac datasheets, in particular this datasheet for BTA16 series triac. The "electrical characteristics" section is split into two parts: snubberless/logic level (3 quadrants) and ...
4
votes
3answers
530 views
Are TRIACs symmetrical?
When debugging a circuit using a micro-controller and triac to control AC current I ran into an issue (the triac wouldn't switch off) that was only resolved by flipping the polarity of the triac. The ...
1
vote
2answers
598 views
Microcontroller + Triac without an optoisolator
I have a project that needs to be in use on saturday (afterwards I'll be able to complete it properly) and my optoisolators haven't come in yet.
I'm using an arduino to switch mains power (on/off) ...
3
votes
4answers
2k views
Controlling water pump speed
How can you control the speed of an AC water pump? In particular this one.
My guess is that PWM won't work on an AC motor? I've heard that controlling the voltage will change it's speed...is this ...
12
votes
4answers
4k views
10
votes
3answers
2k views
Controlling High Voltage device with Arduino
I want to control lava lamps using Arduino. I think it shouldn't be hard project, but I have no experience with hardware projects so I'm not sure witch design will feet best for me.
I consider using ...
