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The new power control and monitor system...   Newly finished, this will be the heart of the annual lights displays, hopefully for years to come. Shown here when it was just completed, although it was subsequently recessed further in to its cupboard so the door could be re-fitted to protect it during the off-season. This setup takes 240 volt mains power at up to 20 amps and feeds the three 110 volt transformers via a timer controlled contactor (and one of the MCB breakers). The outputs of the transformers feed the lights via relays (and the other three breakers) activated by a sequential switching circuit, also controlled by the timer. The lights themselves plug in to the six dual outlets, or to remote switching gear that takes its power and control signals from this main panel. The meters and neon indicator lamps keep a watch on the voltage and current to make sure it`s all working and nothing gets overloaded. The overall effect is a professional staged switch-on and shut-down sequence, with plenty of overload protection and manual start or stop overrides for testing and maintaining the lights during the season. It might seem elaborate (because it is!) but it should save me a lot of time and keep my lights working properly and safely with the minimum of fuss.
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