ParkingLotLust
Member
I have a ballast (inside is a transformer, no other parts) for a light that is rated at 4.6A @ 120v that I would like to be able to control with a micro. I have a feeling that it draws more current than that when it's warming up, so Ive been searching around using 8A as my required current. What is the best way to control it? The ideas Ive come up with are a mechanical relay (afraid of any possible arcing at high-amperage), solid-state relay (kind of expensive Ive found), or some type of MOSFET or IGBT (or perhaps a TRIAC? I have no experience switching AC loads using anything other than a mechanical/solid-state relay).
What would the "best" option be, and why? Id like to do it for the most reasonable cost (not necessarily the cheapest) but Id also like longevity - I dont want to have to replace a mechanical relay or FET every month or two.
What would the "best" option be, and why? Id like to do it for the most reasonable cost (not necessarily the cheapest) but Id also like longevity - I dont want to have to replace a mechanical relay or FET every month or two.