KNX/EIB Is there a problem using Switch Actor for low voltage?

[tellblom]

Hi,

I have a siemens N 511/02 8X AC230V, 16A with some channels free.
Can I use them to switch low voltage ciruits? I.E I like to close a 24v DC circuit.

Will this work or will I damage the actor?

/Martin

[MatthiasS]

I think, nearly everyone does this, too.

Theoretically it can be problem, because there is not enough current. The current normally cleans the contacts during switching.

But again, IN MY house it works since more than 11 yeras with different brands of actuators.

[tellblom]

It was as I thought then, but better to ask

Thanks,
Martin

[drego]

@MatthiasS: Why do you need a low voltage switch actor? What do you switch?

drego

[MatthiasS]

many things:

main gate, garage door, door bell and many more

[drego]

all right, thx!

[MarcusF]

I would not recommend to mix 230V and 24V circuits on one switch actor. At least you have to make absolutely sure that the isolation between the channels is good enough for the application - SELV, presumably.

Marcus

[Chris M.]

One thing to consider:

Once you've used a channel to do high current switching you shouldn't reuse it for switching signal transmitting connections anymore.

But if you beware of that, I see no general problem in switching low voltage applications.

(Of couse you have to take care that mixing non SELV with SELV is allowed by the device if you want to do that)