[Otaku]

Yeah, definitely do not wire 110VAC through a mat switch. The way I use them is to tape a 5VDC relay to a 9 volt battery and wire the battery in series with the relay coil and the mat. Use the relay to switch power to the big stuff. This setup works even with 50 ft. cable runs from the mat to the relay using 18 ga. lamp cord. You also get the portability of not having the mat relay powered by a wart.

 

[Otaku]

I know this is an old thread - the new trend this week

I have a question. I have the DMXorcist controller which uses the eXorcist input box.

It says I can only use dry contact-style switches. I want to get two pressure mats and plug them into those inputs but DO NOT want to fry the box. Anybody know what brands of pressure mats have dry contact-style switches? I have no idea what that means except perhaps there is no voltage?

Yes, a dry-contact switch is one that does not switch any voltage; it just completes a circuit. This mat from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/pressure-sensitive-alarm-mat-96481.html

is low-cost and would work. Just cut off the alarm box and attach the stripped wires from the mat to your controller's trigger inputs.

 

[Otaku]

Yes, it would work. Dry-contact triggers inputs are just looking for a switch closure, like pressing a momentary pushbutton switch. The controller is triggered by a change of state at the input, from open to closed.
Just curious - what happens if the trigger is repeated while the controller is running the routine? This can happen with switch mats if several people step on it in succession or someone stands on the mat.

 

[Otaku]

Perfect. Sounds like you're good to go!