weatherproof on/off switch recommendation?
bmet
Solar Expert Posts: 630 ✭✭
I like the remote on/off function of the Morningstar 300w TSW inverter. I'd like to be able to use that with an exterior switch, to turn-on the interior lights (after dark) from the outside of my shop.
What sort of weather-proof switch or push-button contact would anyone recommend to connect to this inverter? Thank you.
What sort of weather-proof switch or push-button contact would anyone recommend to connect to this inverter? Thank you.
Comments
Any weather proof switch from a Home Depot to a boating supply shop should work... I would guess that the nominal circuit rating is 12 VDC and a few milliamps.
If you are looking for something ultra reliable--Go by a electronics store and look for low voltage/low current rated switches (may have gold contacts). With low voltage/low current, the wiping action on standard 120/240 VAC rated switches may not be able clear lubricant/oxides reliably (12 volt is right on the margin of "low voltage"). You may have to clean/replace 120 VAC switches after a couple years (but they are cheap and easy to get).
Weather proof low voltage switches may be harder to find (or make something up yourself with a magnet and reed switch--for example).
-Bill
Any normal switch in a weather proof box, with a gasketed cover should work fine. As Bill suggests the current is tiny.
Tony
When I went to Home Depot I got sidetracked into the lighting section because I saw this 12V LED Light, rated at 4 watts / 170 Lumens
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh4/R-202022934/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
I also purchased a low-voltage submersible housing, and replaced the stock 20 Watt Halogen with the LED. All I can say is WOW. 4 watts never looked so bright. It will make the perfect entrance light, and it's almost as bright as the Halo.
I got so sidetracked I forgot to look for a switch
if it is a low current application well under an amp then it may be possible to use a weatherproofed ac switch with the ac ratings in the 15-20a range as these tend to be cheaper in price than their dc counterparts. do that only if you don't find a suitable dc switch.
The packaging doesn't specify AC or DC, only that is a 12V lamp. If this was meant for low voltage AC, and I am feeding it from the 'load' terminal of the charge controller, will the 12VDC kill the lamp prematurely?
Powered by the Load terminal of my charge controller, the DMM is placed in series with the 12V, 4W LED. When engaged, it measures 280 milliAmps. I can't believe how bright this lamp is at 4 watts, but at less than 300 mA of current draw it is my guess it won't burn out right away. Also, the submersible housing has a 12 ft., 14AWG cable.
It sort of makes a nice walk-around spot light for the area immediately in front of my shed.
[email protected] V, is less than 3.4 watts, so for sure you're not driving it too hard. In all probabilities, it is a DC unit.