Switching 12vDC (500mA)? [MSA-R vs MSA-P vs MSA-T]

[ethrbunny]

I want to switch some LED strips. They are powered by a 12vDC wall wart. Im guessing that the relay switches would work best but Im not clear how much current they are rated for.

Suggestions?

[John]

I want to switch some LED strips. They are powered by a 12vDC wall wart. Im guessing that the relay switches would work best but Im not clear how much current they are rated for.

Suggestions?

Hi Ethrbunny,

The electrical specifications, including relay current ratings, for each product can be found in the hardware user manual.

I would not recommend the MSA-R in this case. The MSA-R relays are rated for 500mA, but it's best not to get so close to the maximum--the relays can stick if you go over.

The MSA-P has the same current rating, but since the relays are solid-state, there won't be a problem with sticking.

The best choice however, is the MSA-T. It will have no trouble switching a 500mA load, and is the highest-reliability option. The hardware manual includes an output wiring diagram--this will work well with the LED strips.

If you have more questions, please let me know.

[ethrbunny]

Should I use the MSA-T to drive a secondary set of relays? (the obvious ones being these (http://cgi.ebay.ca/Two-DPDT-Signal-Relays-Module-Board-12V-8051-PIC-/130426272824?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5e02fc38) as pointed out in a different posting - kudos to the original poster for tracking these down )

[John]

I'd try driving the 500mA load directly with the MSA-T. The main concern is to monitor the heating of the output transistors--but this should be quite reasonable at 500mA.