> Essentially yes.
>
> Practically you want to turn the triac on when the AC phase is at zero
> (google "zero crossing detector") or you will get lots of interference.
>
> I used a winding of a small mains transformer buffered by a transistor to
> detect the zero crossing when I built a PIC controlled washing machine.
>
> Dom

You can limit the noise with a series inductor (common in phase control
light dimmers). You can also get optos that include a zero cross detect
optos (see MOC3063).

Finally, it may be worthwhile to just buy a solid state relay and let the
manufacturer handle all these issues. 5A circuit board mount SSRs are
between $5 and $10 in small quantities.

Good luck!

Harold


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