Powering My AC Mains Project with a Push-Button Timer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around creating a switch mechanism to control a 110v fan and light for a duration of approximately 10 seconds using a push-button timer. The scope includes practical applications of electrical components, specifically relays and microcontrollers, in managing AC mains power.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a switch that powers a fan and light for 10 seconds and suggests using relays and microcontrollers like Arduino, despite lacking experience with wall power.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of running the fan for only 10 seconds, suggesting the use of standard off-the-shelf AC mains switch units that can be controlled via WiFi, Bluetooth, or powerline communication.
  • A later reply proposes looking into Time Delay Relays, noting that many of these devices are adjustable and may provide a straightforward solution.
  • One participant mentions that the fan is intended to blow a fast stream, similar to a hand dryer, and considers using an air mattress blower for this purpose.
  • Another participant confirms that Time Delay Relays appear to be a promising solution after conducting some research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various approaches to the problem, with some suggesting standard switch units while others advocate for Time Delay Relays. No consensus is reached on the best method to achieve the desired functionality.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the appropriateness of the 10-second duration for fan operation and the suitability of different control methods for the project.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY electronics projects, particularly those involving AC mains control and timer mechanisms.

harrison1216
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TL;DR
Thread for controlling 110v power with a button/timer
Hello! I am trying to create a special kind of switch for a project I am working on and I am pretty stumped. Basically, I need to power a 110v fan and light for around 10 seconds with the push of a button, and then have them all turn off and be ready for another button push. My brain immediately went to relays and microcontrollers like Arduino, but I've never worked with wall power with those before. I was wondering if anyone had experience with something like this or if there were a few products that I could use together to consistently get this thing to work.
Thank you for your time!
 
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harrison1216 said:
TL;DR Summary: Thread for controlling 110v power with a button/timer

Hello! I am trying to create a special kind of switch for a project I am working on and I am pretty stumped. Basically, I need to power a 110v fan and light for around 10 seconds with the push of a button, and then have them all turn off and be ready for another button push. My brain immediately went to relays and microcontrollers like Arduino, but I've never worked with wall power with those before. I was wondering if anyone had experience with something like this or if there were a few products that I could use together to consistently get this thing to work.
Thank you for your time!
Welcome to PF. :smile:

Can you say more about your project? 10 seconds seems like a really short time to run a fan. Can you just use one of the standard off-the-shelf AC Mains switch units (controlled with WiFi or BlueTooth or powerline comm or whatever) to do this?
 
Try looking up a Time Delay Relay. Many are adjustable.
 
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berkeman said:
Welcome to PF. :smile:

Can you say more about your project? 10 seconds seems like a really short time to run a fan. Can you just use one of the standard off-the-shelf AC Mains switch units (controlled with WiFi or BlueTooth or powerline comm or whatever) to do this?
The fan would be to blow a fast stream like a hand dryer. I was thinking something like an air mattress blower
 
Tom.G said:
Try looking up a Time Delay Relay. Many are adjustable.
after some research, this seems like the easiest solution. These things seem great!
 
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Likes   Reactions: berkeman and Tom.G

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