electriCity: PwrLock Actuator to AC

[rich in distress]

What would it take to wire a car power lock actuator to a regular 120v outlet?
I realize an ac/dc transformer would be needed (127v/12v?), but... relays and stuff fly above my head...
Thanks for any insight!!

[mattkime]

What are you trying to do?

[rich in distress]

Nothing practical right now, just trying to wrap my head around the concept.
The main idea would be to make HomeKit aware of presence or absence of AC current...
Off to the googles...

[RAMd®d]

A power converter, solid state equivalent to a step-down transformer, would be a more efficient device. Here CA has required more efficient means of converting voltages, so many devices using step-down transforms are no longer legal for sale in CA, or at least for import.

The next thing you need to know is the current draw of any actuator, and get a source that can supple that at the needed voltage.

You'll need a rectifier to change the AC to DC.

If all you have is the xfrmr, actuator, and rectifier, then a decent, simple On/Off will handle the load and a relay won't be needed.

Oh, fuses, for both 110VAC and 12VDC. You know – just in case.

If you were to use some form of 'trigger' other than the On/Off, you'd need a relay that would be actuated by the trigger and control the actuator, and ancillary circuitry.

Depending on whether you KIS or get arcane will determine what components you need and skill level.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Are you looking at making your own home automation? You might want to look at Raspberry Pi, or Arduino. They run the cost up a bit but really cut down the time to get a working system.

It would be cheaper if you used 5 V because there are tons of USB chargers that should put out enough power to run a solenoid.

12 V gives you more power, but you really increase the standby power use.

[rich in distress]

RAM, thanks for the information. Some of it is slowly seeping in, so I’m sure I’ll refer to t later, if I actually proceed.
Filliam, I’ve been actually paying attention to Arduino, very exciting, but.. You’ll see... I guess I’m being silly.
Last week I installed a Circle2 cam. I like it a lot, but the movement sensor is becoming a nuisance.
I was trying to solve this by having a device near the camera for ppl to call my attention.
The actuator came up while considering eve’s door sensor (I know, I know).
Arlo has a doorbell, but the system needs commitment, and without knowing how it will support ios13, I’m not jumping in.
I guess ppl can tweet me or something...

Thanks again everyone!!