You can now buy me cake and things to take apart at:- https://www.patreon.com/bigclive
A solid state relay is an industrial component used for interfacing low voltage control signals to high current mains voltage loads.
They sell them on eBay at a ridiculously low price, so it's time to see what's actually inside one of these eBay units.

16 thoughts on “Teardown of an ebay 25a solid state relay. ssr”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lee G RC says:

    I use something similar with my. Snake vivarium ceramic bulb and a low voltage digital thermostat,,
    Mine is heavy and I've used a heatsink to be on the safe side

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars D. Jensen says:

    It's fascinating to see what I've been using for the last six years! I'm glad now that I acted on impulse and used them conservatively, and only for personal projects. But they have worked without complaint.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Arthur T says:

    Thanks for posting, it's good to see the insides. I used an SS40DD (to switch a DC 3A load) controlled by an arduino GPIO pin. I was using it well within spec, but it got very hot indeed and all the case melted and twisted. I built my own after that 🙂 🙂

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Curt Wuollet says:

    There are "real" ones and fakes that are nearly identical. Slight differences in the label. I'm using one with a cheap Chinese PID controller in my fish smoker with a 1500 Watt 120 V heater. If you know what you're really getting, They can be useful. Just don't take the ratings too seriously. But, 1 degree C control for less than $ 50 in electronics is not too bad. I call it the smoke-o-matic. And yes, it's overkill.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars opera says:

    One thing you didn't test is the turn on voltage. Triacs are not the same gate turn on in all quadrants. You will see that below 3V (2.2 – 2.7V) the SSR will only be half wave. That could damage some AC devices which are inductive and that may be very close for 3.3V devices. More expensive SSR like CRYDOM use a constant current circuit and LED drive current will be a constant 2ma from 3-32V. You get what you pay for.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cristian Gomes says:

    are all of them this shitty?

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Damian Butterworth says:

    I used one on my off grid solar set up to turn the immersion heater on when the batteries were full.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Louro says:

    That is a counterfeit Fotek relay

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Murray Madness says:

    I usually cut any current rating from a chinese product in half, and usually that is even not enough.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jack Jones says:

    I'm looking at using one of these with a raspberry pico (3.3v device). All the electromechanical relay modules I've used come with 3 inputs (VCC, GND, IN) but this only has two inputs. How would I control this?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars AS28g says:

    I have an original Idec RSSDN-25A that has blown. I disassembled it and it's nothing like the one you have there. If you want I can send you some pictures of it. It does not carry a Triac like that. let me know.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter Jaimes says:

    I know you are focus on a somewhat more intellectualy evolved audience but for us novices and such could you please add notes for when you are being for ex,cheeky,witty,or just being plain ole sarcastic because o am gaining so much from your presentation but dont want to go off and think that your "that's reasonable" is normal when it really isn't,lol.thank you great video.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Blondie SL says:

    I have a few of these and need a few more.
    BUT….. I thought about just making my own, but as it turns out, the cost of parts and time, outweigh the cost of these units……

    OR AT LEAST IT USED TO. LOL

    Just last year, at a local store, I bought the "40Amp" version for about $8.

    So I just now checked stock at that store and the THIEVES now want $30 for the same freak'n units!

    Not only has the pandemic caused to much pain in people, but it's revealed how companies are just taking advantage of it to make extra $$$$.

    sigh.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars robert574 says:

    👍 I've watched this a few times. Clyde can you do a real one and maybe also compare a couple of those high current 100A ones? That would be really interesting. And I wonder what's inside the 40A version. Do you think the resin is for isolation or for heat? Isn't there a version of the triac that has a snubber built in?

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hardy Williams says:

    It's a fake Fotek. They're everywhere. The triac is way under the rating.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kolja Nadj says:

    Nice explanation man, tnx for all of the info.

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