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fitting a security light- inductive load?

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Upforit | 18:40 Fri 08th Sep 2006 | Home & Garden
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I was not sure where to post, so I have posted here and in internet and technology. Hope the moderator(s) don't mind. My question is this. Some years ago I fitted a security light to the rear of my house. I took a spur off the main switch from my central heating. A qualified electrician (16th edition) told me that this was safe and acceptable, but I must use a six amp fused switch. I did this and all was ok. Recently the glass cover got broken (I posted for advice for replacing this, and have bought a complete new unit as they are only �7.99 each). Although I felt confident making the replacement, in the interests of safety I read the instructions that came with the new unit. There was a paragraph, which was not in the instructions of the old unit, which said it should not be connected to a circuit that has an inductive load. I understand that this means a circuit with a solenoid, motor or relay. While I am familiar with basic electrics, my knowledge does not extend to a gas central heating control circuit. While I imagine that there are such components in the circuit to activate valves and the motors can anybody (preferably a qualified electrician- my mate has moved away) tell me if a central heating control has an inductive load from the switch? The issue does not seem to be one of safety; merely that connection to this type of circuit may cause damage to electronic components in the PIR causing false triggering. Thanks in advance.
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I think you're trying to replace the PIR sensor/switch?

It means you can't have an inductive load on the other side of the switch IE the light. So you're quite OK to use it.

It's because the relay in the sensor isn't very hefty, and switching a large inductive load could result in damage to the relay.
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Thanks, Siamsal. Sorry i haven't been back to respond. I think it is important on forums for people who get succesful help, wheteher on or off forum should say so and help others. I am actually replacing the whole unit. The spur comes from the main switch of the central heating system, next to the boiler. This leads to the fused switch for ONLY the light circuit. Thanks again.

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fitting a security light- inductive load?

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