PSU Switch > Do i need more than a switch

[bloq]

Hey,

i have been using my laser for a while now. On the front panel there are three switches which i installed for enabling
- water
- air
- the psu for the tube

I already had a defective switch for the tube although they are rated for 230 volt. The new switch also makes cracking noise when
i use it for powerin the tube. Today i also saw a spark coming out which really terrified me. Do i need a relay or how did you solve
that?

thanks a lot,

André

[Techgraphix]

When you see a spark in the switch i doubt it's quality. If your switch draws Sparks, a relay would certainly do to.
You can play it save and let the switch power a 5V or 12V line to activate a SolidStateRelay.. Most of this SSR's have a zero-detection-circuit so the initial current will not be too high. Thay also cost quite a bit less than a normal relay. And you don't have to take provisions to damp the relay's spike (a diode over the coil)
Sparks can also be eliminated, for a great deal, by bypassing the switch with a special capacitor.
Kees