COURTESY LIGHT

Circuit diagram:

Parts:

R1____________470R   1/2W Resistor
R2____________100K   1/4W Resistor
R3______________1M5  1/4W Resistor
R4______________1K   1/4W Resistor

C1____________330nF  400V Polyester Capacitor
C2____________100µF   25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C3,C5__________10nF   63V Polyester or Ceramic Capacitors
C4_____________10µF   25V Electrolytic Capacitor

D1,D2________1N4007 1000V 1A Diodes
D3_________BZX79C10   10V 500mW Zener Diode
D4__________TIC206M  600V 4A TRIAC

Q1____________BC557   45V 100mA PNP Transistor

IC1____________7555 or TS555CN CMos Timer IC

SW1____________SPST Mains suited Switch

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Device purpose:

This circuit is intended to let the user turn off a lamp by means of a switch placed far from bed, allowing him enough time to lie down before the lamp really switches off.
Obviously, users will be able to find different applications for this circuit in order to suit their needs.

Circuit operation:

Due to the low current drawing, the circuit can be supplied from 230Vac mains without a transformer. Supply voltage is reduced to 10Vdc by means of C1 reactance, a two diode rectifier cell D1 & D2 and Zener diode D3. IC1 is a CMos 555 timer wired as a monostable, providing 15 seconds on-time set by R3 & C4. When SW1 is closed, IC1 output (pin 3) is permanently on, driving Triac D4 which in turn feeds the lamp. Opening SW1 operates the monostable and, after 15 seconds, pin 3 of IC1 goes low switching off the lamp.

Notes:

• The circuit is wired permanently to the mains supply but current drain is negligible.
• Due to transformerless design there is no heat generation.
• The delay time can be varied changing R3 and/or C4 values.
• Taking C4 = 10µF, R3 increases timing with about 100K per second ratio. I.e. R3 = 1M Time = 10 seconds, R3 = 1M8 Time = 18 seconds.
• Low Gate-current Triacs are recommended.
• Use a well insulated mains-type switch for SW1.
• Warning! The circuit is connected to 230Vac mains, then some parts in the circuit board are subjected to lethal potential!. Avoid touching the circuit when plugged and enclose it in a plastic box.

This circuit was awarded with publication in ELECTRONICS WORLD "Circuit Ideas", April 2001 issue