LED suggestions for a workshop

[pc1966]

Or even solid-state contactor?

We went for a zero-crossing SSR for our floodlights (13 * 50W single phase) to keep inrush down, though ironically that is controlled by a mechanical toggling relay so we can use push switches in 3 locations and a web-relay for remote operations with only live & switch line needed (i.e. 4C+E cable can have the switched L&N for lights, along with permanent L for PIR lights and the switch line).

The mechanical relay replace an electronic one that proved to be troublesome in it tended to pick up its own lights being switched due to our long 4C+E run, as well as it would occasionally come on with the supply being restored which was not desirable,

This was the old-school replacement:

20.23.8.230.0000 | Finder DIN Rail Latching Modular Step Relay, 230V ac Coil, 16A Switching Current, SP-NC, SP-NO | RS

uk.rs-online.com

Although it is a 16A resistive relay, it is only rated for 400W LED load, hence the zero-crossing SSR that is 800W LED rated.

 

[pc1966]

Just for completeness, here is the SSR we used:

77.01.8.230.8050 | Finder 77 Series Solid State Relay, 5 A Load, DIN Rail Mount, 265 V ac Load, 240 V ac Control | RS

uk.rs-online.com

It is not the cheapest choice, and thermal limit only 5A, but it fitted our DIN enclosure OK and is enough for our lamps.

However, it would probably be destroyed by a hard fault as the 6A B-curve MCB's I2t let-though is more than its fusing limit for fault currents above something like 300A. We could put in a 4A fuse or similar to protect it but that is not a likely fault mode so we can live with the risk. Safe from fire/shock though, which is what really matters.

 

[Paul Breen 2021]

Depending on the make/age/condition of the DB you might not need to replace it, and if it is mostly conduit then pulling through new cable is a practical option without huge extra effort, e

Just for completeness, here is the SSR we used:

77.01.8.230.8050 | Finder 77 Series Solid State Relay, 5 A Load, DIN Rail Mount, 265 V ac Load, 240 V ac Control | RS

uk.rs-online.com

It is not the cheapest choice, and thermal limit only 5A, but it fitted our DIN enclosure OK and is enough for our lamps.

However, it would probably be destroyed by a hard fault as the 6A B-curve MCB's I2t let-though is more than its fusing limit for fault currents above something like 300A. We could put in a 4A fuse or similar to protect it but that is not a likely fault mode so we can live with the risk. Safe from fire/shock though, which is what really matters.

I checked them out on RS from your link thanks, starting to formulate a plan for them now, I'm going to use the same lamps we used in our German workshop, they are a bit more pricey in the UK for some reason, probably Brexit related lol
Thanks for the advice once again