As part of a project I am controlling 24VAC solenoid sprinkler valves like this https://rayshobby.net/wordpress/understanding-24vac-sprinkler-valves/ using a triac (BT1308W) http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/302/BT1308W_SER_D-111990.pdf and optocoupler (MOC3012) https://datasheet.octopart.com/MOC3011-M…-Fairchild-Semiconductor-datasheet-627034.pdf
My design is based on the reference circuit on the optocoupler datasheet for inductive loads:
My current design:
A few questions :
1)I added a TVS (D1) to protect from reverse voltage spike when the solenoid is turned off. Should I also add a snubber or with the TVS is enough? Do the protect from different things?
2)Is it a good idea to add a 10K resistor between triac's gate and VAC2?
3)I'm using the R19 and R20 values from the suggested datasheet circuit but, how are they calculated?
4)C21 is rated at 50v, is that correct?
Best Answer
you don't have to worry about a spike because the triact turns off when the current is zero. the voltage step when this happena (because current lags voltage) can cause re-triggering however. so use the snubber