Description
Amprobe's Remcon relays feature a standard 3-wire relay with built-in transformer and stripped leads. Designed for the low voltage lighting systems common in homes built in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. These new solid state Remcon low voltage relays replace the R-115* and old solenoid coil type Pyramid relays and can be used in all present applications (please see installation notes below), plus many new applications. (The old Remcon R115 was only rated to 5 amps, and used 750 mA of AC control current; the old R120 was rated to 120V at 10 amps.)
REMCON R-115S RELAYS WERE DISCONTINUED IN 2021 BY THE MANUFACTURER WITH NO DIRECT REPLACEMENT.
WE RECOMMEND UPGRADING TO TOUCH-PLATE POWERED RELAY PACKS or Mini Touch-Plate Low Voltage Powered Relay with Zigbee Wireless Control Option ALONG WITH NEW TOUCH-PLATE SWITCHES AND COVERS.
Benefits of a Touch Plate Upgrade:
- Relays, switches, covers and all parts are available.
- Modern, contemporary look.
- Several series to choose from - get the look you want.
- Wiring guides are available making your upgrade simple.
- Produced since the 1940's, Touch-Plate low voltage lighting is one of the last historical remote control wiring systems that continues to be manufactured today.
- Touch-Plate devices are regularly stocked and available for you to purchase today.
- Safety tested for compatibility and reliability.
- Engravable button caps for labeling switches
- Select a style and get your Remcon system updated now.
Features of Discontinued Remcon R115S Relay:
- three low voltage leads (red, black and white) that connect to a regular normally open light switch
- Fluke Amprobe low voltage relay switch - 100% solid state, 115+ volt, 60 Hz
- maximum AC current rating of 6.5 amp (compared to only 5 amps on old electromechanical relays)
- the control current for the R-115S is only 10 mA DC (compared to 750 mA AC on the old R-115 - see note below)
- built in transformer, with no step down transformers necessary; momentary contact closure of control wires turns AC power ON or OFF
- AC voltage from 105 to 125 VAC.
- 2.5" wide by 1.125" deep by 1.83" high
- AC current rating: resistive, tungsten or ballast load up to 6.5 amp (1/4 HP max. motor load at 120V) maximum
- control switch closure time: 5 milliseconds minimum
- safe control switching: 10.0 VDC max. isolated from AC line and 10 miliamps max
- ambient operating temperature: 40 degrees celsius max for full rated output current
- also replaces the R120 rated 120V 10 amps 1/3 HP 60 Cy AC
- limited lifetime warranty
- UL listed
- made in China
- switches AC power ON and OFF using low voltage control circuit
- replaces most old Remco or Pyramid Electric relays such as the R-120; CANNOT replace old R-4115 relays
*IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTE: If there is more than one relay on a circuit, the relays must be the same type, i.e. all R120 or R115 (mechanical, old style, 14873) or all R115S (solid state, as shown). They cannot be intermixed because of the difference in control currents. More specifically, relays must be on the same circuit and same phase of the panel. Both sides of the relays as well as all switches connected in any way must be on the same same circuit/phase. Some of the very old mechanical relays were a different shape - a cylinder on rectangular black base - and might have either Remcon or Pyramid brand on them. Be sure to look for the item code to see if it has the "S" at the end to indicate the solid solid state versions.)
CAUTIONS
If any old Remcon switches containing a light bulb exist in the installation, the light bulb must be removed from these switches otherwise improper relay operation will result.
Do not install in location where temperature may exceed 104 degree F (40 degrees C).
Do not install in plastic box - install in metal box only because of heat generated by relay.
Improper connection of power leads will result in permanent damage to the relay. Recheck your wiring before turning on AC power.
Incorrect hookup can result in an electrical hazard.
Do not exceed the UL ratings of 6.5 amps resistive, tungsten or ballast load, or 1/4 HP motor load.
Do not mix solid state and mechanical latching relays on the same circuit.
Electronic ballasts like those used in LED fixtures might be a problem with the solid state relays.
INSTALLATION NOTES
Multiple relays can be controlled by a single switch. A single relay also can be controlled by multiple switches. This quality megohmmeter has a solid range of features which were designed to meet most insulation test applications.
To install in a metal electrical box, just insert through the knock-out opening hole. For better heat dissipation, we recommend installing with included mounting nut. Must be securely installed in metal boxes only (not in plastic electrical boxes) because solid state switches generate heat.
Includes wiring diagram along with hook-up directions for replacing the older Remcon R-115 (electromagnetic switch relay). A significant time and cost savings can be achieved by using light #22 cable to control relay instead of Romex or armored cable.
Remcon switchplates were typically installed horizontally (sideways) with the switches rocking up and down to turn lights on/off. The curved, flared Remco switches were pinched in and narrower at the middle and wider and taller at the top with a small dot (red for pilot lights) at the center. (Original type of Remcon mounting frames, ivory curvy rocker switches and rounded or oval wall plate covers are no longer in production. If you are looking for a replacement for Amprobe's discontinued Remcon low voltage switches, we recommend Touch-Plate Lighting Control switches for a safe alternative.)
New Applications for R115S Amprobe Low Voltage Relays
- Industrial Control Applications
- Higher current applications. (Up to 6.5 Amps, 1/4 HP)
- Where isolated low voltage is need for safety reasons.
- Long-distance remote operation with twisted pair wire.
- Computer control applications.
- Alarms.
- Plant process controls.
- Applications where a U.L. Listed device is required.
- Reduce control wiring costs and electrical interference.
- Hostile or hazardous environments.
- Economically meet building codes in new installations.
Note: The Remcon R-277 and R-277S relays are no longer manufactured and there are no workable replacements. The R277S was the solid state replacement of the older R277 mechanical latching relays.
Q & A
A. NO. Always use Remcon relay switches in your Pyramid or Remcon lighting system. Touchplate relays will not work in your Remcon setup.
Q. What does the loud buzzing sound from my relay mean?
A. If you hear a noisy buzzing sound coming from your relay, this can mean 1 of 2 things: the relay is bad and you need a new one, or the switch is bad and you need a new one. To test which component is bad, you need to get a working switch that is installed somewhere else in your home. Wire it in place of the switch that is connected to the loud buzzing relay. If the relay continues to buzz, you know the relay is bad. If the relay stops buzzing, you know the switch is bad.
Q. If the solid state relays can’t be on the same circuit as mechanical relays, what do I do about the master panel?
A. If lights are connected to a master panel, you would have to replace all the relays. All relays in a circuit (or connected to the same lighting control panel) must be the same type - either mechanical or solid state. If you do not wish to replace all your relays, then you must disconnect that relay/switch set from the master panel and just control the switch from the main room location only.
Q. Do these solid state relays work with CFL/LED lights?
A. The new solid state relays use less power and work fine with incandescent lights as well as with fluorescent lights that use fluorescent ballasts. However, this lower power level can affect electronic ballasts using CFL (fluorescent) or LED bulbs. It is possible that you might experience lights flickering or the lights may turn on and off. This indicates incompatibility, and it may be exacerbated with dimmable CFL/LED bulbs. If you experience problems with your current electronic ballast fixtures, you may have to experiment with different brands of CFL/LED fixtures to find ones that are compatible with your Remcon relays. Unfortunately, we do not have a list of brands that have been tested.
