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I have 5 such relays attached to an ESP-12E module with a 600ma Power Supply. The LED (LED4) glows but the relay doesn't switch. Is there anything wrong with my schematic?

Using MMBT3904 instead of a BC848B and using a 5V sugar cube relay.

enter image description here

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    \$\begingroup\$ Is the relay very "low voltage" and "low current" ? I think you would drive it separately (or in parallel with the diode-R14, from emitter to ground), because of the 2k2 emitter resistor (too high), unless the relay needs very low current. \$\endgroup\$
    – Antonio51
    Dec 6, 2021 at 9:53
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    \$\begingroup\$ Should I try 1k for the emitter resistor? \$\endgroup\$
    – Amorphous
    Dec 6, 2021 at 10:03
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    \$\begingroup\$ Its a 5V relay not really low current. This is the relay - mbatechmeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/5V-SPDT-Relay-1.jpg \$\endgroup\$
    – Amorphous
    Dec 6, 2021 at 10:05
  • \$\begingroup\$ Put the LED+dropper resistor in parallell with the relay coil, not in series. \$\endgroup\$
    – Klas-Kenny
    Dec 6, 2021 at 10:09
  • \$\begingroup\$ This relay need at least 70-100 mA, don't remember. \$\endgroup\$
    – Antonio51
    Dec 6, 2021 at 10:10

3 Answers 3

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For comparison, as you have a drive of 3.3V max, see the difference of the relay current.

Circuit 1 (left) is not really "the good choice".

enter image description here

Here for a drive of 5V.

enter image description here

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Your "circuit 1" does not correspond to what OP shows as there the relay is in series with the collector of the NPN. In this "circuit 1" the NPN acts as a emitter follower and at its emitter the voltage will not be higher than 3.3 V - Vbe = 2.7 V which is not enough to engage the relay, the relay needs 5 V. Your "circuit 2" does that though. \$\endgroup\$ Dec 6, 2021 at 11:15
  • \$\begingroup\$ You are right. I was only proposing the left circuit to show that it was not a good idea to place the relay parallel to the Led-R ... since the 3.3V output could not have injected the desired current anyway. This would be different if the driving output was 5V. \$\endgroup\$
    – Antonio51
    Dec 6, 2021 at 11:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ I update my answer with a driving of 5V \$\endgroup\$
    – Antonio51
    Dec 6, 2021 at 11:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ I update my answer with a driving of 5V Unfortunately, OP is using an ESP module, which can only run on 3.3 V, not 5 V. \$\endgroup\$ Dec 6, 2021 at 12:08
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Bimpelrekkie Right, but only for comparing results ... for other "new designs", and "informed choice" ? Note that "circuit 1" is in red color ..., saying "not good choice". :-) \$\endgroup\$
    – Antonio51
    Dec 6, 2021 at 12:40
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Here's what your schematic is (left) and what I would use (right):

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

The left schematic will act like a (sort of) current source, where the transistor will determine the current. Here, that current is too low for the relay to engage.

In the right circuit, the transistor will act as a switch. The current will be determined by the relay. The LED (D3) and resistor (R4) are optional, leave them out if you do not need them.

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Because the title is "controlling relay using ESP8266" rather that "what's wrong with the way I'm driving this relay" I'm going to suggest the use of prefab relay modules with driver circuitry based around optocouplers.

Here's an example on ebay for about ten bucks. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/164378054696

I have no affiliation with the seller other than having bought some relay modules.

The design is an excellent solution which is why it's super common and cheap as chips pre-fab. The input impedances are very high and the trigger current can be as low as microamps although the unit shown needs 5mA.

optocoupled 8 relay module

These babies switch up to 30A at 5 to 24V. I used to make this sort of module myself but it's cheaper to buy them complete.

Another thing you might look at depending on how much current you need to switch, is MOSFETs instead of relays. High input impedance, low trigger current and very fast switching with no bounce. You do get a bit of forward leakage. You can drive em straight off the ESP IO pins.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Just verify if "isolation" is well done for the AC power side! Some are not. Especially for 240 Vac. \$\endgroup\$
    – Antonio51
    Dec 7, 2021 at 10:17
  • \$\begingroup\$ These are low voltage DC units. But that's always sound advice. For that kind of application frankly I'd do a destruction test for isolation breakdown voltage, and measure heat dissipation under load because melted insulation is way too exciting with serious power. \$\endgroup\$
    – Peter Wone
    Dec 8, 2021 at 2:18

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