Use of transistor for switching 120AC

xxguitarist · 26th March 2009, 05:18 AM

Hoping someone could give me hand with this concept.
I need to switch AC to a load based upon a small voltage input of variable amplitude.

My idea was to use a FET, with the input at the gate, load(consider it a lightbulb) between 120AC and the drain, and the source straight to ground/ the dead half of a household AC plug.

I'm concerned about transistor selection, and the potential for reverse biasing on the negative swing of the 120AC.

Any input is appreciated.

Bone · 26th March 2009, 09:39 AM

Why not use a triac - its what they're for

xxguitarist · 26th March 2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bone
Why not use a triac - its what they're for

Thanks!
Wasn't aware of this component. Looks perfect.

sreten · 26th March 2009, 02:35 PM

Hmmmm.......

Regarding the mains voltage supply. If you do not know what you are
doing leave the mains alone before you kill yourself or someone else.

/sreten.

xxguitarist · 26th March 2009, 04:43 PM

Sreten,
I appreciate your concern, I have a good background in electronics, my coursework is just lacking in 120AC coverage. I have looked at datasheets on the triacs since, and it looks like it will work very well.

sreten · 26th March 2009, 05:17 PM

Hi,

There is a good reason mains circuitry is not usually covered.
Proper insulation practise must be followed and you'll need
something like an optical-isolator for the control input.

/sreten.

dangus · 27th March 2009, 07:02 AM

If you want an incandescent light to flicker to the music, look for "color organ" schematics. Old electronics hobby magazines, or books with titles like 1001 electronic projects in the library may have circuits.

26th March 2009, 05:18 AM	#1
xxguitarist diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	Use of transistor for switching 120AC Hoping someone could give me hand with this concept. I need to switch AC to a load based upon a small voltage input of variable amplitude. My idea was to use a FET, with the input at the gate, load(consider it a lightbulb) between 120AC and the drain, and the source straight to ground/ the dead half of a household AC plug. I'm concerned about transistor selection, and the potential for reverse biasing on the negative swing of the 120AC. Any input is appreciated.

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26th March 2009, 09:39 AM	#2
Bone diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Dorset, UK	Why not use a triac - its what they're for

26th March 2009, 02:35 PM	#4
sreten diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brighton UK	Hmmmm....... Regarding the mains voltage supply. If you do not know what you are doing leave the mains alone before you kill yourself or someone else. /sreten.

26th March 2009, 04:43 PM	#5
xxguitarist diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	Sreten, I appreciate your concern, I have a good background in electronics, my coursework is just lacking in 120AC coverage. I have looked at datasheets on the triacs since, and it looks like it will work very well.

26th March 2009, 05:17 PM	#6
sreten diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brighton UK	Hi, There is a good reason mains circuitry is not usually covered. Proper insulation practise must be followed and you'll need something like an optical-isolator for the control input. /sreten.

27th March 2009, 07:02 AM	#7
dangus diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Vancouver Island	If you want an incandescent light to flicker to the music, look for "color organ" schematics. Old electronics hobby magazines, or books with titles like 1001 electronic projects in the library may have circuits.