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Old 07-25-2016, 01:39 PM   #1
Kimo
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Packard PR341 Relay help.

I have installed a 200 watt Renogy solar system and 40 watt controller. Works fantastic so far. I have also installed a 50 amp transfer switch in front of a 2000 watt Xantrax inverter, also works great. Because I am lazy and absent minded I mounted a Packard PR341 relay switch to shut off power to my converter when my inverter is engaged. Here is where things aren't so rosey, the relay makes a buzzing noise when the inverter is engaged. My engineer neighbor says the noise is normal because of the magnetic switch. Has anyone installed a relay and had similar problems or maybe a better way to automatically disconnect the converter when the inverter is engaged?
 
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Old 07-25-2016, 04:29 PM   #2
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What is the coil voltage of the relay and what voltage are you energizing it with?
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Old 07-25-2016, 04:41 PM   #3
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I was an electrical engineer in my former life. And any time we had a relay buzzing, something was not right. Not seeing exactly what you have and how it is wired, I can't make a guess though.
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Old 07-25-2016, 05:00 PM   #4
Kimo
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It's a Packard 341 relay, 110 / 120 volt. I am switching off the stock 120 volt converter / charger when the inverter is turned on. I know I can just turn off the breaker but I would rather have it happen automatically.
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Old 07-25-2016, 06:43 PM   #5
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If it's buzzing while closed in, the relay is not closing tight. There could be some debris between the coil and armature or they are not aligned perfectly which will cause the buzzing. If the noise is a bother, maybe you could fabricate an insulated box to mount it in to cut the noise level.
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Old 07-26-2016, 01:45 AM   #6
WaltBennett
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Isn't your Xantrax also a charger? If so, just turn the breaker for your converter off and leave it be. That's what I do.
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Old 07-26-2016, 03:07 AM   #7
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The Xantrax is not a charger, but the solar controller does a great job charging. Reading reviews on the relay switch, one person said the buzzing goes away after several uses, I hope that is the case. The relay is in the normally closed configuration so it buzzes while in the "Open" position. Now I know why I did not become an electrician. Lol
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Old 07-26-2016, 07:32 AM   #8
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My 4000 watt Xantrax inverter is a charger with a switch to turn charging on at the bottom of the remote control panel. I disconnected my converter completely.
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Old 07-26-2016, 08:26 AM   #9
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I think the electrical circuit is normally closed when the relay coil is not energized, and when the coil is energized, it opens the circuit, which is why you are hearing the buzz then.
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Old 07-26-2016, 10:20 AM   #10
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Not clear what you mean by normally closed and open. Can you relate that to energized and deenergized?
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Old 07-26-2016, 11:32 AM   #11
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When the switch is energized, the relay switch opens and breaks the power to the converter. When it is not energized (normally closed), the relay switch is closed and completes the circuit or power to the converter.
I tried several different configurations today and kept getting the same buzzing noise when the relay is powered. I might have to try a different relay switch to get the quiet I desire. #129300;
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Old 07-26-2016, 11:41 AM   #12
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Disconnect all wiring and try energizing the relay with nothing else connected and see if it still buzzes. May simply be a problem with the relay itself.
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Old 07-29-2016, 04:36 AM   #13
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Some relays are noiser than others, the magnet vibrates and it depends on the construction of the relay , I would buy another and try that one. 45 years in the business working on them (A/C electrical and refrigeration)
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Old 07-29-2016, 01:12 PM   #14
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Hi Kimo,

Its true a slight amount of hum is normal for that type of an AC relay, is it mounted on something that serves as a sounding board to amplify the hum? I have a couple of thoughts in addition to the others' comments.

First, does the relay just buzz for a second as the inverter comes on and then quiets down significantly afterwards? If so, the inverter could be doing a "soft turn on" and as the inverter voltage gradually comes up to 110AC the relay buzzes/chatters because its voltage is briefly too low. Once the inverter comes up to full voltage in about a second the relay holds in and there would only be a barely audible humming sound (which should be considered normal).


Second, if the relay is constantly buzzing the entire time the inverter is operating, my question would be, is the inverter a "pure sine wave" inverter or a "modified sine wave" inverter. If it is a modified sine wave inverter, the relay could be sensitive to the output waveform of the inverter. If that's the case, try a different brand/model relay.

If the inverter is a pure sine wave inverter, my only guess is either a bad relay or low inverter voltage output. Have you checked the inverter output voltage? If the voltage is ok, I would guess a bad relay if the buzzing is excessive.

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Old 07-29-2016, 02:08 PM   #15
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I decided to get another relay (same model) and mounted it on rubber washers. This one is much quieter. It still has a slight hum but you can hardly hear it in the rig. Unless I can find a solid state relay that will work, I will stay with this one for now. Thank you for the help and suggestions.
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