Solid State Relay - For the Humidity Switches

Humidity Relay Upgrade (SSR Module)

Top Hatch controllers have provided reliable service in thousands of incubators over more than twenty years, and many customers are still operating their original controllers today.

However, the electrical environment has changed significantly during that time. The widespread adoption of rooftop solar has resulted in higher sustained daytime mains voltages in many areas, placing additional stress on switching components.

Although current-production Top Hatch controllers incorporate upgraded relay ratings, the humidity circuit remains the controller's most heavily loaded output. The humidity relay switches both the 2 A AC/DC transformer supplying the ultrasonic humidifier and the 8 W, 240 VAC solenoid pump used for evaporative cooling.

This upgrade transfers both loads to an external solid-state relay (SSR), leaving the controller's humidity relay to carry only the small SSR trigger current. By isolating the transformer and pump from the controller, electrical stress on the relay contacts is greatly reduced.

The SSR module is supplied fully pre-wired and ready for installation. High-temperature double-sided adhesive tape is included for attaching the module to the rear wall inside the controller enclosure. No drilling or modification of the enclosure is required.

Recommended for earlier Top Hatch incubators

If you are ordering a replacement controller because the humidity circuit has failed, we strongly recommend fitting this SSR upgrade at the same time. The upgrade is inexpensive, simple to install and will help protect your new controller from the same failure mechanism.