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Relays and Mains Power

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jst3712

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If I use a DPDT relay (one suitable for switching mains), is it safe to have the relay switch 240V mains power via one contact ('Active' line), and 12V via the second contact? I am trying to avoid using 2 separate relays.
If you think it's quite safe, is it possible that the 240V could arc over to the other contact inside the relay? If so, is there something I can do to avoid this? For example, a capacitor in parallel perhaps?

Note: The relay is simply switching on/off a low-power battery charger (specs say 'Input=230-240V ~ 0.1A'), so we're not talking very high currents here.
I won't go into great detail here as to why I am switching 240V and 12V.

Thanks.
 
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On the basis that it is "normal" to switch live and neutral with that relay then the isolation between the poles is good enough for 240V.

Mike.
 
As a point of interest, realize that a relay rated for switching, say, a 10 A load at 120/240 VAC may not work well/reliably with lower voltage/lower current loads. My judgment says your 12 V 0.1 A load will probably work OK, but it's good to be aware of the different operating regimes of relay contacts from dry circuit applications up to heavy current switching. Some web searching will uncover more details if you're interested.
 
As a point of interest, realize that a relay rated for switching, say, a 10 A load at 120/240 VAC may not work well/reliably with lower voltage/lower current loads. My judgment says your 12 V 0.1 A load will probably work OK, but it's good to be aware of the different operating regimes of relay contacts from dry circuit applications up to heavy current switching. Some web searching will uncover more details if you're interested.

Hi "Squishy36". Thanks for your input - noted.
The 240V load will be around 0.1A and the 12V load will probably be no higher than 0.6A. I'll see how I go with it, but I doubt my circuit will be sensitive to this particular switching method. But if fails, I will definitely have a look on Google :) Cheers.
 
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