Controllers/Switching Relays for 8 zones

Beakster

Hi,

What are my options for a controller that can handle 8 zones?

I've been looking at this Beok one https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000203519786.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.49bb191fInvbrN&algo_pvid=ce9ba26c-a2c8-41af-bf13-d95da23a54ea&algo_expid=ce9ba26c-a2c8-41af-bf13-d95da23a54ea-36&btsid=0bb0623016091222921968803ee8d9&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

The problem I see with this is that it uses line voltage (120-240V) for the thermostats and actuators. The thermostat wiring that I already have in place is for 24V so I don't think it would be safe to use it with line voltage.

What is everyone else using?

Gary Jansen_4

Taco or Tekmar are your best options 

Beakster

If I have 3 thermostats but 8 actuators, can I buy a 3 zone controller and connect multiple actuators to the same zone?

Beakster

Looks like if I get a Tekmar 3 zone, it allows 7VA per actuator. The actuators I am looking at are 2VA, so sounds like I can safely have up to 3 actuators wired in parallel. Does that make sense?

Also is there a preference for 24V over 120-240V actuators and thermostats?

hot_rod

Most all the new thermal actuators are low current draw, 250 mA. Is that what you have, older versions may be 800mA.

I always buy a relay one size up, if you buy a 4 zone, you have a spare or you can use the end switch to trigger the 4th and add an actuators there.

If you have 250 mA you should be able to run 3 on a relay. Assuming the thermostat can handle the draw, most can.