Solid state relay not turning on motor as expected

motorsolid-state-relay

I have a very simple control system for two homebrew pumps using a 12VDC control circuit and two (2) solid state relays (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13015). Specs on the pumps can be found here, they are simple 115VAC motors.

Each relay controls a single outlet to which a pump is plugged in.

When the relay is off, the pump is off. When the relay is on and the pump is plugged in with the relay on, the pump will start. When the relay is turned on while the pump is plugged in, the pump will not start. Unplugging it and plugging it back in will start the pump.

ASCII circuit diagram:

+12VDC          +       ~         
---- SW1 -----+           +----------------------
              |   RELAY   |                       HOUSE MAINS (120VAC)
--------------+           +--------- PUMP -------
+0VDC           -       ~

Am I using the wrong relay, or do I need to add a starter capacitor of some form to the pump side of the circuit?

Note: when I replace the pump with a 120V floor lamp, the lamp is controlled as expected, without having to unplug it and plug it back in after the relay is on.

Best Answer

For inductive loads such motors a Random Turn On SSR with snubber should be used. Zero crossing SSR can be used when you have resistive loads such bulbs, heaters, etc.

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