[SML] Relays vs. Traditional Circuit Breakers for LED Power.

[Jerry Durand]

Aren't the relay controls constantly powered with the same low life
expectancy switcher as the lights?

On 08/11/2016 05:19 AM, Bill Conner via Stagecraft wrote:
> I would never design a modern stage lighting system, basically
> distributed data and power, without the ability to easily de-power the
> circuits, relays somewhere.
>
> De-powering electrical gear not in use and no one present just makes
> safety sense.
>
> Requiring a technician to flip a bull switch or individual breakers
> seems rude and disrespectful.  What ever you think, it won't be on the
> the tech's route - both current and future techs - in and out of the
> building.
>
> While the quiescent power consumption is small, its not zero.  More
> importantly, while the LEDs are shown to last a long time, the power
> supplies have no such record.  And these are everywhere.
>
> I don't know what was proposed to Robert, but relays are not that
> expensive.  A 24 circuit main lugs Echo panel is $4800.  Assuming an
> average of 5 LED units per circuit, that's $40 per fixture, each of
> which is probably $800 to $2500.  And a substantial part of the total
> cost of eh work is installing the panel, whether a dumb circuit
> breaker panel or a smart mains lug panel.
>
> Simpler solution for some, go ahead and distribute constant circuits,
> and use something like ETC's Colorsource relay - $225 - and it will
> control power for up to 10 units typically.  Or save on data distro
> and use the wireless version - now a DMX out at every relay.
>
> Never want a remotely - from console - switched circuit  for anything?
>
> And I always have a relay panel for work and utility lights anyway (or
> have had - as more of those are LED with means to switch with data or
> low voltage.)   Again, it seems rude and disrespectful to make someone
> go to a dozen wall switches at catwalks, grids, etc.
>
> Its just too small of a cost to not do relay control of otherwise
> constant power lighting circuits.
>
> As far as what you are looking at, I will forever believe that going
> to a vendor for major system design is stupid from the start, just too
> much likelihood for non-objectivity.  They have biases for the
> products they sell and in selling them.
>

-- 
Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc.
www.interstellar.com
tel: +1 408 356-3886

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