> > the safest way is to use an opto-coupler.
> >
> > I have vast experience in this field (dimmers in professional
> > lighting field) and if you only knew what comes down those
> > AC lines...... you'd use an opto too.

Has anyone ever seen the sparks that fly from the
plug when un-plugging their shop-vac from the mains
w/o using the normal On/Off power switch?

(As my power switch died some ten years ago - this is
 the technique I have been since to 'switch' my shop-
 vac on and off.)

THESE are the kinds of transients that your circuits,
intended for public use, need to be 'tested' against
(at the least I would think!).

I would be interested to see how these direct-interface
circuits fare when used (and tested) on the main's line
as a shop-vac is switched "on and off" a few times ...

RF Jim

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