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SPDT Relay Switch Circuit using Triac

Last Updated on September 13, 2019 by Swagatam 18 Comments

An efficient solid state single pole double throw or SPDT switch can be built using triacs for replacing a mechanical SPDT.

Table of Contents
  • Introduction
  • Circuit Operation
  • Circuit Diagram
  • Adding an attached power supply and Delay Effect

In this post I have explained a simple solid state triac SPDT relay circuit, using an optocoupler and a couple of triacs, which can be used as an effective replacement for mechanical relays. The idea was requested by "Cypherbuster".

Introduction

In one of the other posts I have explained how to make an DPDT SSR using mosfets, however this design could be used only for high current DC loads, and not with AC loads at the mains level.

In this article we will see how a simple mains operated solid-state relay can be made using triacs and an optocoupler.

The working of any relay is specifically intended to operate two different high power loads individually and alternately with the help of an external isolated low power trigger.

In a conventional mechanical type of rely this is done by toggling the loads across its N/O and N/C contacts in response to the activation applied across its coil.

However mechanical relays have their own drawbacks such as higher degree of wear and tear, lower life, generation of RF disturbance due to sparks across the contacts, and the most vital being the delayed switching response which could be crucial in systems like UPS.

Circuit Operation

In our triac SPDT relay circuit the same function is executed through the switching of two triacs via two BJT stages and an isolating optocoupler which ensures that the changeover operation for this relay has no drawbacks as mentioned above.

Referring to the diagram, the left side triac represents the N/O contact while the right side triac operates like the N/C contact.

Circuit Diagram

Triac based SPDT Relay Switch Circuit

While the optocoupler is in the non-triggered mode, the BC547 directly associated with the opto goes into the triggered mode, which keeps the second BC547 switched OFF. This situation enables the right side triac to remain switched ON, and the other triac is held switched OFF.

In this condition any load connected with the right triac becomes operational and stays switched ON.

Now as soon as a trigger is applied to the opto coupler, it switches ON, and in turn switches OFF the connected BC547.

This situation switches ON the second BC547 and consequently the right side triac is switched OFF, ensuring that the left side triac is now switched ON.

The above condition immediately toggles the second load ON and switches OFF the earlier load, effectively fulfilling the required alternate switching of the load with the help of an isolated external DC trigger.

The two LED connected with the bases of the two BJTs indicate which load is in the activated state at any moment while the triac SPDT relay circuit is being operated.

Adding an attached power supply and Delay Effect

The above design could be further enhanced and made fully independent of an external DC power source by upgrading it with its own transformerless power supply, as shown below:

You will find the following changes in this upgraded diagram:

Addition of a 1K at the base of the right BC547 to ensure correct triggering of the left side triac

Addition of R/C network across the gates of the triacs to ensure that the two triacs are never ON together at any given instance or during the changeover periods. The diodes can be 1N4148, resistors can be 22K or 33K, and the capacitors can be around 100uF/25V.

There's one more thing that seems to be missing in the diagram, and it is a limiting resistor (approximately 22 ohms) between the 12V zener diodes and the 0.33uF capacitor, this may be important to safeguard the zener diode from sudden in rush surge through the capacitor during power switch ON.

triac based solid state relay with delay

Warning: The circuit shown above is not isolated from the mains AC input supply and therefore is extremely dangerous to touch in the switched ON condition. 

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Filed Under: Inverter Circuits Tagged With: Relay, SPDT, Switch, Triac

About Swagatam

I am an electronics engineer and doing practical hands-on work from more than 15 years now. Building real circuits, testing them and also making PCB layouts by myself. I really love doing all these things like inventing something new, designing electronics and also helping other people like hobby guys who want to make their own cool circuits at home.

And that is the main reason why I started this website homemade-circuits.com, to share different types of circuit ideas..

If you are having any kind of doubt or question related to circuits then just write down your question in the comment box below, I am like always checking, so I guarantee I will reply you for sure!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Craig Riddle says

    July 14, 2024 at 11:49 am

    Great Circuit. Does this work with 230v ac?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      July 14, 2024 at 3:03 pm

      Yes, the last circuit can be used with 220V AC

      Reply
      • Craig Riddle says

        July 15, 2024 at 4:13 am

        Thank you very much for your quick reply Swagatam.
        Great Site. Have a great day.

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          July 15, 2024 at 8:46 am

          You are welcome Craig!

          Reply
  2. Lane Fishburn says

    August 8, 2018 at 7:15 am

    Do you need a capacitor delay of some sort so both NO & NC aren’t on at the same time? Even, ever so slight?

    Great Circuit — !

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 8, 2018 at 9:25 am

      Thanks Lane for pointing it out, I have updated the design with the delay feature at the bottom of the article, you can check it out.

      Reply
  3. Waqar says

    January 16, 2018 at 6:28 pm

    Brother,
    Can you provide circuit for three phase Solid State Contactor.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      January 16, 2018 at 8:33 pm

      sure bro, I’ll do it soon using heavy duty triacs.

      Reply
  4. Puneet Swarup says

    December 22, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    Hi Swagatam,

    One more query in your mail, please suggest.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 23, 2016 at 3:43 am

      answered!!

      Reply
  5. Puneet Swarup says

    December 15, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    Hello Swagatam,

    I have sent the modified diagram on mail, as you had suggested. Please have a look and let me know your valuable feedback.

    Thanks,
    Puneet

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 16, 2016 at 3:50 am

      Hello Puneet, I have replied it.

      Reply
  6. Swagatam says

    September 9, 2016 at 11:16 am

    yes that's possible.

    Reply
  7. Sharoj Al Hasan says

    August 2, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    Sir i dont find transistor BC517 sir can i use BC547 replace of that Transistor ??

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 3, 2016 at 3:54 am

      you can use two BC547 and connect them in Darlington form for getting the equivalent of BC517

      Reply
  8. Swagatam says

    July 24, 2016 at 8:27 am

    It is my pleasure Devendra ji. thank you and God bless you!

    Reply
  9. Cypherbuster says

    July 23, 2016 at 3:48 pm

    Thanks a Ton!
    Another thought: A relay does not require a continuous power supply, i.e, even under no power conditions, there's a connected terminal and an open terminal.
    Would it be possible to do away with the external 5-12 Volt and make this an exact Solid State version of a relay?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      July 24, 2016 at 5:19 am

      I am glad you liked it…please check out the last diagram I have updated it as per your suggestion.

      Reply

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