In the Maker Shed: PowerSwitch Tail II

Arduino
In the Maker Shed: PowerSwitch Tail II

PowerSwitch Tail II

Are you looking for a robust, no nonsense way to control AC loads from your Arduino or other microcontroller? Check out the PowerSwitch Tail II, available in the Maker Shed! The PowerSwitch Tail lets you control up to 15 amps of current without worrying about the extremely unpleasant side effects that can come from faulty wiring. Controlling the PowerSwitch Tail is simple. Since it activates using a 3-12 vdc (3-30ma) input, all you have to do is wire it up as you would an LED. No additional circuitry is required! An internal opto-isolator ensures that no stray voltage will get into your microcontroller or computer.

Features

  • AC input: NEMA 5-15P Plug, standard 120VAC with ground.
  • AC output: NEMA 5-15R Receptacle, standard 120VAC with ground.
  • Switching capacity: 15A @ 125VAC
  • Life expectancy: 100,000 operations @ 15A, 125VAC, resistive
  • DC input: 3-12vdc, 3-30ma; terminal block accepts #14-30 AWG wire.
  • Operate times: 15 ms max actuate, 10 ms max release.
  • DC to AC circuit isolation: 5300Vrms
  • Protection: AC side protected with 150vac MOV. DC is transient free
  • Indicator: LED indicates when dc side is energized.
  • Mounting: Two #6 screws or free standing

8 thoughts on “In the Maker Shed: PowerSwitch Tail II

  1. jamie says:

    Does anyone know of a version that could be used to control something like an electric 220V water heater?

  2. Dennis says:

    I’ve been watching this item in the Maker Shed site for months, and for months it has been out-of-stock. What gives?

    1. Michael Castor says:

      Whoops, it looks like they were incorrectly marked out of stock. We have them and they are available for sale right now in the Maker Shed! http://www.makershed.com/PowerSwitch_Tail_II_p/mkps01.htm?Click=37845

  3. Jason Doege says:

    Is this a zero-crossing switch?

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