Relay (NO) that closes when a certain power is drawn from a load

I would like to know if there are any devices that can perform a specific task. I need a device that measures power consumption. In the case that power consumed is larger than some threshold, I would like a relay (NO) to change to closed. I would also be looking for something that can support up to 200 volts and can measure amperages near 10 Amps. Does such a device exist? If so where can I find it?

by Jjohnston17
January 03, 2023

Many assumptions from my part, maybe inappropriate in your case but here, a solution (an analog one, by opposition to use an MCU).

The circuit turns on the lamp when the load is at one watt. Run the simulation, time domain simulation, to see the moment when the lamp turns on, as I have set the voltage of the source V1 to increase.

It assumes that the load is resistive and constant.

by vanderghast
January 08, 2023

You can easily get a window of voltages (a LED turning on when the voltage is between two limits) with the TL431. Get the datasheet on ti.com site, check its figure 10-12. ti.com, T431

by vanderghast
January 09, 2023

Thank you for your suggestions. The source of my power will be solar panels. These output relatively consistent voltages (plus or minus 5 volts) during operational hours. I would like to have something that recognizes when the power drawn by a lot is above a threshold. When that power is exceeded I would like a relay to change from open to closed. Because the voltage is relatively constant, maybe I could use a device that determines if the current exceeds a certain value instead.

by Jrjohnston
January 09, 2023

Not a perfect solution, and I am looking for a better one (energetically). And maybe not really applicable either in your case. But if so, feel free to comment.

by vanderghast
January 10, 2023

No Answers

No answers yet. Contribute your answer below!


Your Answer

You must log in or create an account (free!) to answer a question.

Log in Create an account


Go Ad-Free. Activate your CircuitLab membership. No more ads. Save unlimited circuits. Run unlimited simulations.

Search Questions & Answers


Ask a Question

Anyone can ask a question.

Did you already search (see above) to see if a similar question has already been answered? If you can't find the answer, you may ask a question.


About This Site

CircuitLab's Q&A site is a FREE questions and answers forum for electronics and electrical engineering students, hobbyists, and professionals.

We encourage you to use our built-in schematic & simulation software to add more detail to your questions and answers.

Acceptable Questions:

  • Concept or theory questions
  • Practical engineering questions
  • “Homework” questions
  • Software/hardware intersection
  • Best practices
  • Design choices & component selection
  • Troubleshooting

Unacceptable Questions:

  • Non-English language content
  • Non-question discussion
  • Non-electronics questions
  • Vendor-specific topics
  • Pure software questions
  • CircuitLab software support

Please respect that there are both seasoned experts and total newbies here: please be nice, be constructive, and be specific!

About CircuitLab

CircuitLab is an in-browser schematic capture and circuit simulation software tool to help you rapidly design and analyze analog and digital electronics systems.