Contactors

[Geezer18]

Hello guys , can you point me in the right direction

i have a lighting install I need to change from being controlled via light switch to contactor and photo cell

my understanding feed in top of contactor load out bottom , feed to photocell with neutral switched back to contactor

if I'm missing anything let me know never dealt with contractors

 

[alanl]

Depeneds on the switching arrangement of the contactor.
They could be DP or SP, get the instructions for the one you are using, and it'll become clear.

 

[Marvo]

Hi Geezer, are you a qualified electrician or is this a DIY job? The photocell would usually switch the live back to A1 of the contactor coil, not the neutral. Is the contactor part of the original installation? If it is you're basically just replacing the light switch with a photocell so the contactor wiring will remain the same.

 

[GMES]

Hi Geezer, are you a qualified electrician or is this a DIY job? The photocell would usually switch the live back to A1 of the contactor coil, not the neutral. Is the contactor part of the original installation? If it is you're basically just replacing the light switch with a photocell so the contactor wiring will remain the same.

Marvo if you re-read the op's thread he comes across as installing the contactor to replace the original light switch, so it would be a new set up.

 

[SparkyJoe]

with neutral switched

Never switch a neutral. always line.

 

[Besoeker]

Marvo if you re-read the op's thread he comes across as installing the contactor to replace the original light switch, so it would be a new set up.

I think what Marvo is getting at is that you would use the photocell to control the contactor rather than switch the power which is what the OP seems to be suggesting.

 

[GMES]

Hello guys , can you point me in the right direction

i have a lighting install I need to change from being controlled via light switch to contactor and photo cell
This to me readsthat he has a lightswitch but would like a photocell and contactor yet to be installed
my understanding feed in top of contactor load out bottom , feed to photocell with neutral switched back to contactor

if I'm missing anything let me know never dealt with contractors

Hi Geezer, are you a qualified electrician or is this a DIY job? The photocell would usually switch the live back to A1 of the contactor coil, not the neutral. Is the contactor part of the original installation? If it is you're basically just replacing the light switch with a photocell so the contactor wiring will remain the same.

I don't think it is

I think what Marvo is getting at is that you would use the photocell to control the contactor rather than switch the power which is what the OP seems to be suggesting.

Besoeker if you re-read the high lighted points, they are what made me come up with my reply.
No big deal either way mate.

 

[trev]

My guess is that you're going to have to change some of the wiring too Geezer. Every photocell I've ever installed has needed a perm live a switched live and a neutral. Obviously it's unlikely that you've got this at the switch you have currently.

 

[Marvo]

Yep 3-wire photocells are the norm but I've come across daylight sensors that just have a live and a switched live, they wire the same as a 2-wire dimmer but they're few and far between and they cause LED and CFL lamps to glow dim or flicker so they've probably been phased out entirely in more recent years.

Marvo if you re-read the op's thread he comes across as installing the contactor to replace the original light switch, so it would be a new set up.

I was a bit confused, probably just the way it was worded.

 

[joel89]

switch live onto the coil A1+, ensure the contactor has 230v coil !

if not consult an industrial spark

 

[jonni770]

Why do you guys always get so bitchy on herr like its some sort of competition. The guy wants sone help so just help the fellow.

Contactors are very basic. Normally are 2 pole and the coil is lettered a1 and a2.

Feed the switch live from sensor to a1 and permanent neautral to a2

Than bring a pearmente feed of live to no 1

Put the live of your load (lights) to no3.

You could use 2 amd 4 fpr neautral only optional though. But if not e sure your lights bave neautral throughout the sensor or some other means.

 

[Geezer18]

I never meant to imply I would switch a neutral ,

I will need to re configure the current set up sounds like I had the right idea