SSR Question

[grady in texas]

A couple of years ago I replaced the dead brains in my ~1995 Cookshack #105 with a TA-4 PID and 25 Amp SSR. It worked just fine until a couple of weeks ago. In the middle of the night and the middle of smoking a pork butt, the electric element failed. (Interestingly, I have no idea how long it smoked, but I then put it in an Orion cooker/smoker and it was the best butt ever.)

I ordered a new OEM element. I replaced the element and went on a test. I quickly determined that element came on (at 100%) and stayed on full power. The PID was calling for 0% and showing an over-temperature alarm but the element stayed on. (I read that as the PID and thermocouple are working.)

I re-ordered a new SSR (exactly same as before) with the same results. (I know, “new” doesn’t always work.)

I pulled the SSR and hooked it up to a power/switch a bulb. Results are the bulb comes on and stays on. Even if the trigger (a Radio Shack 12 volt DC power supply) is on/off or disconnected. I got the same results with another (questionable/old) SSR.

I assume the problem is a bad SSR but thought I’d check in case I’m missed something. Thanks Grady

 

[fullborebbq]

A bad SSR will fail shorted, or On all the time.
In an HVAC Reheat setup there is usually an airflow safety switch. No airflow detected, No voltage available to the SSR. These systems are also usually protected by thermal overloads as well.

 

[a g k]

A bad SSR will fail shorted, or On all the time.
In an HVAC Reheat setup there is usually an airflow safety switch. No airflow detected, No voltage available to the SSR. These systems are also usually protected by thermal overloads as well.

 

[a g k]

Be sure to check the input (or control) voltage on the SSR as they can be a low voltage dc or a line voltage ac. If the voltage is not the same you may damage or destroy the SSR. Hope this helps.
A G K

 

[grady in texas]

Thanks! The input voltage is x-32 vt DC so 12 vt DC should be fine. I'll order another one.

 

[dernektambura]

fullborebbq explained very well.... SSR fails short... contactor fails open... in my Kamado Vision setup I used 220VAC coil / 20Amp contactor instead of SSR to avoid SSR fail short.... contrary to general opinions that SSRs are better than contactors due to higher number of ON/OFF cycles, contactors can be used if PID hysteresis is adjusted to compensate ON/OFF cycles.... I am not a fan of SSR cuz they fail short and no way to know meat is overheating...

 

[dward51]

Get your SSR from Auber Instruments. They will back it and replace if bad, but they sell quality parts.

 

[grady in texas]

Ordered form Auber Instruments! Thanks all! Hopefiully when we run out of turkey... frying 4 roasting 1... we can smoke the next item!