Where's a good spot to get 12vdc-120vac relays? (Calgary)

Delphinus · #1 03-26-2013, 02:51 AM

Where's a good spot in Calgary to look for switch relays? My Tunze topup pump failed, second one in a row so looking to try a relay switch to use a powerhead instead.

11purewater · #2 03-26-2013, 02:52 AM

James electric

Jeff000 · #3 03-26-2013, 03:35 AM

How long are they lasting. Tunze has a great warranty. Although it's odd that they would fail like that.

But any electrical wholesaler in town will have what you are looking for.

Delphinus · #4 03-26-2013, 03:49 AM

Thanks, I'll check out James Electric. I had hoped maybe Active Components but their website shows order times of 1-2 weeks for pretty much everything listed.

The pump lasted 6 weeks. It runs, but just doesn't push water. I don't know if this is typical but the original did the same thing (but after almost 2 years of use so that's not too bad). Even if Tunze were to warrantee something though, I need something in place before the weekend. So I was hoping a relay would just do the trick in the meantime.

banditpowdercoat · #5 03-26-2013, 04:16 AM

If ya want a really good relay, but there larger, but the bases can be screwed down, Go to electrical wholsaler like Eecoll or Westburne and get a Omron Relay
like this, 12v coil voltage, but good to 10A @ 120v 2 NO 2 NC contacts too

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OMRON-MK2P-I...-/130742691005

PS Gotten years outa usin my Maxi-Jet as a ATO pump

Delphinus · #6 03-26-2013, 04:22 AM

Thank Bandit. Sounds promising for sure.

Yeah, I'm surprised that Tunze doesn't make it a little easier. I actually tried to order the Tunze relay on J&L's Boxing Week sale but they sent it with a European plug. I thought about modding it because I figure a relay is a relay but I opted for a return and swapped it for another DC pump.

The DC pumps are fine (when they work) but totally unserviceable. Not sure what is up with it, but there is literally no way to see what's going on inside to figure out why it isn't pushing water with any gusto.

banditpowdercoat · #7 03-26-2013, 04:25 AM

If ya were closer Tony, I would bring a couple home form work HAHA But not home for another 8 days then mail.. etc etc

Delphinus · #8 03-26-2013, 04:29 AM

Ya no worries, thanks though!

Jeff000 · #9 03-26-2013, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

If ya want a really good relay, but there larger, but the bases can be screwed down, Go to electrical wholsaler like Eecoll or Westburne and get a Omron Relay
like this, 12v coil voltage, but good to 10A @ 120v 2 NO 2 NC contacts too

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OMRON-MK2P-I...-/130742691005

PS Gotten years outa usin my Maxi-Jet as a ATO pump

Those relays are great. Although you can get smaller ones too. It'll be cheaper to order from Ebay, those relays with the base will run about 40 bucks at Eecol.

If you have a used electrical parts place in town you'll get one for about 15. I personally like the ones with the push to test ability.

If you were closer I have a few extra 12v cube relays kicking around here too. Have a few 24v coils on my desk right now actually. lol.

If you bought the pump from a local retailer I would get them to just exchange it, I know marine aquaria here would do that for someone that bought it there.

Delphinus · #10 03-26-2013, 03:02 PM

Unfortunately no it came from J&L so it's not a local trip. I've been emailing them about this but strangely they haven't offered to exchange it so maybe 6 weeks of use is past the warrantee-able period. It's not like these pumps are expensive, $25ish, ... it's just that I find it a bit annoying if I have to stockpile them and treat them as disposable if they are prone to doing this. Maybe it's something to do with the way I have it setup (too much backpressure from a 3/8" line of tubing about 8' long? Seems implausible but who knows).

I'm going to switch it to a gravity feed direct from the reservoir using a solenoid valve, that will simplify things but given that I can't get a solenoid valve before the weekend, I'm hoping I can just pick up a relay sometime today and use a powerhead instead. I have a drawer full of powerheads that all work fine and have no purpose otherwise so it makes sense just to use one of those. I feel like that line in that Alanis song, I have 10,000 spoons but what I really need is a knife.