SSR-25VA Relay reliability?

[Jolly John]

Hi. I'm thinking about buying an SSR-25VA to make a new controller for the "bok". My cheap and cheerful light dimmer/triac combination decided to go tits, half way through a run! Had to rush out and buy another dimmer, and re-equilibrate, pain the proverbial. I know a few of you are using the SSR-25, just like to know if there have been any reliability issues?

I will buy one with a large heatsink, and probably add some fan cooling.

Cheers.

[muddog]

I don't know your set up ,but if you are using a pot for control ,you will need an SSVR (SSR is used with PID). Buy a 40A, there is not much difference in price. Heat is the biggest killer of SSRs, keep it cool and you shouldn't have any problems.
They are very reliable. Muddog

[Jolly John]

I'm ordering this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Single-Phase- ... 4#shpCntId" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Says its used in conjunction with a 500k pot. I'm on 240 volts, so amperage will be lower than over there, 3kW element will draw 12.5 amps on full wack. I will probably put a bypass switch in the circuit for running full power, and switch the SSR in near to boiling. It comes with a decent sized heatsink, but I will include a fan in the case.

[muddog]

I do not believe that will work with a pot. I thought you needed SSVR to run a pot. SSR is for PID.
You might want to do a little research on this.
I run PIDs, so I'm not real familiar with pot controls, but from I have read you will need this:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Assisi-Electri ... =370969529" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
If I'm wrong some one please correct. Muddog

[sambedded]

Yes this SSR-VA will work with a pot. However I also reccomend to go with 40A version.

[muddog]

Yes this SSR-VA will work with a pot. However I also reccomend to go with 40A version.

That's right , thank you sambedded. Heat is an SSR killer. A 25A SSVR is going to generate more heat than a 40A at a given amperage, so go with 40A, You will lessen heat.
It is better to use more than less with your components, larger wire ,SSVR as long as you use proper fusing. Gives you a better safety factor and it makes it easier to upgrade. Muddog

[biggeroots]

I just burnt m 60 amp SSR by not using a heat sink! it was only on about 5 mins connected to 6000w element. Wont be doing that again

[bellybuster]

Allot of the Fortek SSRs are counterfeit and have less than adequate traces. I've suffered thru a couple fakes on my brewery.

[Soggy Bottom Boy]

I just burnt m 60 amp SSR by not using a heat sink! it was only on about 5 mins connected to 6000w element. Wont be doing that again

That's why they make heatsinks and thermal transfer paste!

With a little more reading and a little less doing, you might have found a few posts about heatsinks and why you need one! .......live & learn.

[biggeroots]

Sarcasm is a lower form of wit!