Hi folks,

I have built a circuit around a 16F628 that drives a Triac directly (PIC =
- 220 ohms - gate) and it works fine with incandescent lamps / bulbs. =
Since I am not interested in controlling the phase angle as such (the =
load is to be on, or off, the intensity is not to be controlled) I am =
not pulsing the gate of the triac; the pin driving the gate is always =
either on, or off.

Now, my question is, can this setup be used to switch heavier loads such =
as an air-conditioner, if I use a triac of an appropriate rating?

Which brings me to the second question! Even triacs rated at 12 Amps, =
400 volts come in a TO220 package. Can these devices really control the =
load of an air-conditioner without blowing up? Would a heat sink be =
required?

Incidentally, I have 230 volts AC in my country, and the AC I'm =
interested in controlling would be 1.5 tons.

Any advice here would be greatly appreciated, folks!

Thanks and regards,

Anand Dhuru

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