Relay Panel with LV and HV

Drewscm

Member
I am in the process of designing my system for new house. I am in need of a relay panel to control lighting in the main areas of my house that can be controlled via LV. I have looked at all of the major systems and most have to be professional install or over priced. I have my controller and software planned out already, the one thing I am missing is a relay panel. It seems no one makes a panel that does not have a timer or controller built in. I thought about building one myself but haven't been able to locate the right voltage barriers. I'd like the line voltage to run on the two sides, and have the LV wiring in the center the controller mounted near the bottom. Does anyone have a good panel supply? Does anyone know of a panel that would work?
 
How about a large enough enclosure and RIB relays or DIN rail?
 
Easy enough to use Panduit inside...that's how it's done for the big installs.
 
You separate out your voltages in the panduits. In the case of solid state relays, there should be a holder or similar. Bring one voltage to one side, the other to the other side. Without knowing the relays and design, it's hard to suggest.
 
The one thing to remember is some things, like relay panels and controls, shouldn't be homebrewed. There's a reason for this.
 
Would love to hear more about the proposed project!
 
One thing with relays of course to consider is that you'll never be able to dim... and what do you plan to use for wall switches?
 
az1324 said:
Look at the photos of this:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Centralite-Elegance-Dimmer-Panel-24-Dimmer-Relays-/400530253066
 
I hope you are going to document your project so we can read about it.
That is where I found the idea for solid state relays, wasn't sure if it was up to code being that I have seen other panels with actual dividers such as the blue box tl from lighting control & design.

http://www.lightingcontrols.com/productcatalog/blueboxlt.asp

By the way does anyone know what protocol they use?

I am planning on using the Wattstopper 24vdc switches, I don't want to see 4 switches all lined up newt to each other at my back door or kitchen so I will get one of the multi button units.

The system will be run by Openremote, integrating security, light, hvac, and more.


FYI I am an engineer, mechanical not electrical, but I have enough knowledge in the electronics world to build the panel to code and have an electrician verify. I don't mess around with electrical in my house, I make sure it is done properly.
 
There are different ways to meet the physical separation criteria.  Look at UL 508a panel designs.
 
Not sure what is required to meet code in your area.  Will you have to get UL 508a shop to build and/or certify your panel? 
 
Are you going to do dimming?  What are you using for the input controller and relay driver?
 
az1324 said:
There are different ways to meet the physical separation criteria.  Look at UL 508a panel designs.
 
Not sure what is required to meet code in your area.  Will you have to get UL 508a shop to build and/or certify your panel? 
 
Are you going to do dimming?  What are you using for the input controller and relay driver?

I'm not sure if I will need to have a UL shop to build or certify? I live in Michigan if anyone knows please let me know.
 
For HV, unless you have a good HO insurance policy all components must be UL certified as an assembly unless there is another purpose. It's not a path I would suggest you want to beat your own drum on.
 
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