Quiet Relay

FrodoOne · 25 Nov 2017

JohnW2 said:
....... the OP might have difficulty in identifying such a device, not the least because a very high proportion do seem to have electromechanical relays (most of them 'click'). In attempting to do the opposite (ensuring that what I was buying did have an electromechanical relay), I have found that (unless one goes very up-market/expensive), information provided usually does not indicate whether or not they have a proper relay, such that the only course is to buy one, try it and see if it clicks!

I quite agree and I have been caught the other way in purchasing a PIR switch which did NOT contain a relay and would not satisfactorily operate a LED !

ADarkDividedGem · 25 Nov 2017

That's strange because I use a different type of PIR switch that doesn't make a sound and operates a 4W LED fine. The difference with this one is that it's fitted at the switch and only takes a Live and Load wire but when I try and use it in my kitchen it doesn't cover the full space so it creates blind spots causing the light to turn off when you are still in the kitchen.

JohnW2 · 25 Nov 2017

ADarkDividedGem said:
That's strange because I use a different type of PIR switch that doesn't make a sound and operates a 4W LED fine.

It's not that strange. The problems which sometimes arise with LEDs (and sometimes CFLs), usually relating to not 'switching off' properly (glowing dimly or flashing when meant to be 'off') are very unpredictable, and only happen with certain combinations of LED (or CFL), switching/dimming device and wiring. It could therefore just be that you are 'lucky'.

ADarkDividedGem said:
The difference with this one is that it's fitted at the switch and only takes a Live and Load wire but when I try and use it in my kitchen it doesn't cover the full space so it creates blind spots causing the light to turn off when you are still in the kitchen.

PIRs and other electronic switches, and dimmers, which don't have a neutral are much more likely to cause problems. To get power for the electronics there has to be a very small current flowing through the light all the time (even when the light is 'off'). With traditional incandescent bulbs/lamps, the current was far to small to result in any perceptible light, but it may be enough to make an LED glow dimly or flash.

Kind Regards, John

ban-all-sheds · 25 Nov 2017

FrodoOne said:
However, he has already voided any such guarantees by "opening-up" the relay.

That was my point.

Jackrae · 25 Nov 2017

With all that shyte fitted to the 'now-damaged' relay I hope his fire detection systems work OK as his insurance company will certainly be interested in his bodge up

SimonH2 · 25 Nov 2017

ban-all-sheds said:
OOI, in your life, just how often, when it is already dark, do you walk into your kitchen with your hands full and be unable to either work a light switch or see well enough from lighting in the vicinity to be able to empty your hands and turn the lights on?

I did say "convenient" not "necessary"

Of course there is hardly (if any) occasion when one "can't" make a hand free. As to when it would be "less convenient" to have to put something down to switch on the light and then pick it up again to take it to the other side of the kitchen - quite common actually.
There's enough light from the upstairs landing to cross the dining room towards the kitchen to a point where the occupancy sensor triggers - though usually the dog gets there and triggers it sooner. If I know the kitchen lights are switched off, I'll switch the dining room light on first to have enough light to go into the kitchen and get to the light switch (which isn't in a very convenient position).

But as I said, I'll be taking the occupancy sensor out when I get round to it.

bernardgreen · 25 Nov 2017

ADarkDividedGem said:
After placing some insulating tape between the coil and armature, top contact and armature and finally wrapping the whole thing in insulating tape I managed to dampen it enough not to annoy me]

Not a good idea. As mentioned this is potentially creating a hazard.

mattylad · 25 Nov 2017

For the Op to repair this there are replacement relays available in many places, such as ebay item #172745243323
You can get the 4 or 5 pin versions, if you only need 4 pins then cut the unused one off.

Desolder the old one and pop a new one in. put up with the noise, it only lasts a fraction of a second.

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Quiet Relay

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