'CE-marked' low voltage controlled contactor-in-a-box? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: alanambrose
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2021, 10:27:26 am
content: Hi,For a CNC - I want to switch an external fume extractor using a low voltage relay or similar already on on the CNC board. While I can mock up something myself I would prefer something off-the-shelf and CE-marked as this has to be given to customers. So, has anyone seen a sort of contactor-in-a-box (preferably with UK or IEC plugs / sockets) switched by low voltage or (less useful) by a USB signal?TIA, Alan

author: Badwolf
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2021, 05:55:00 pm
content: Be carfull, a CE marked product is not necessarily a good product. This marking does not require testing the product by a control organism. It is a self - certificate. The seller simply certifies that it meets certain standards. Unfortunately, I know a lot of products which have a CE mark but which do not respect the standards. The only risk for the seller is in the event of a filing complaint

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2021, 03:55:08 pm
content: You'll be lucky! I think youd be best to farm out your nearest panel builder or "box builder" with ISO9000 acreditation.

author: vu2nan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2021, 06:33:12 am
content: Hi Alan,I'm sure one would be hard put to locate an off-the-shelf 'motor control box' comprising an MPCB, a contactor and an industrial socket.I suppose you would have no choice but to roll your own!Nandu.

author: alanambrose
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2021, 01:28:22 pm
content: OK for anyone else looking for this kind of device - there's at least one UK supplier:https://www.canford.co.uk/Products/42-6701_CANFORD-OPTO-SWITCHER-Mk.2Will switch 6A. Used e.g. in the AV industry to switch on the 'Live' light in a studio. Will support either a NO switch or a +V signal.There's are also RS232-controlled switches for power control in server rooms.Alan

author: alanambrose
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2021, 06:10:04 pm
content: And another, also CE-marked:https://shop.stepcraft-systems.com/Switch-unit-SE-2300-for-electric-consumersAlan

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2021, 01:00:33 am
content: You would be better off consulting with a local electrician / electrical engineer. Here is the USA such an installation may require motor overload protection and even a disconnecting means. The socket might pass as a disconnecting means but again this can become an issue of the local code. Unlike a manually controlled tool once it is operating without a operator there is often a need for overload protection.You might be better off supplying a 24VDC signal for use by an electrician to hook up a proper relay. In other words let the customer make sure the installation is proper.An alternative is to have your control system in a decent sized panel box with space for an internally mounted contractor. Even here it is problematic because you will never know what type / size extractor they will want to connect to. In the end you either offer your own solution or let the customer install whatever he wants.

author: perieanuo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2021, 09:42:39 am
content: Quote from: alanambrose on September 08, 2021, 10:27:26 amany ssr in a box will do, or any classical contactor. just by one from uk, farnell or whatever you like, it will be CE certified for sure

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2021, 09:52:57 am
content: Quote from: perieanuo on September 28, 2021, 09:42:39 amMost SSRs are just components ( exposed terminals etc.), and not suitable for supply to end-users.Once you put it in a box, you assume responsibilty for things like creepage/clearance, flammability of the box etc. and different CE standards will apply.