SENSORS/ACTUATORS

ESP8266 - 2-Channel Relay Module

This tutorial instructs you how to use ESP8266 to control a 2-channel relay module. In detail, we will learn:

The pinout of a 2-channel relay module
How to connect ESP8266 to a 2-channel relay module
How to program ESP8266 to control the 2-channel relay module

When we want to control two high-voltage devices such as pumps, fans, or actuators, we have two choices. We can either use multiple relay modules or opt for a simpler solution. The simpler way is to use a 2-channel relay module, which is a single board that already has two relays integrated into it. This approach makes the setup easier and more convenient for controlling both devices.

Hardware Preparation

1	×	ESP8266 NodeMCU
1	×	Micro USB Cable
1	×	2-channel Relay Module
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	(Optional) 5V Power Adapter for ESP8266
1	×	(Optional) ESP8266 Screw Terminal Adapter

Or you can buy the following sensor kit:

DIYables Sensor Kit 30 types, 69 units

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Overview of 2-Channel Relay Module

Pinout

A 2-channel relay module has the following pins:

Power pins for relay boards

DC+: connect this pin to 5V pin of power supply
DC-: connect this pin to the GND pin of the power supply and also to the GND pin of the ESP8266

Signal pins:

IN1: this pin receives the control signal from ESP8266 to control relay 1 on the module
IN2: this pin receives the control signal from ESP8266 to control relay 2 on the module

Output pins: NCx (normally closed pin), NOx (normally open pin), COMx (common pin),

NC1, NO1, COM1: These pins connect to a high-voltage device that is controlled by relay 1
NC2, NO2, COM2: These pins connect to a high-voltage device that is controlled by relay 2

Additionally, the 2-channel relay module includes 2 jumpers that allow you to choose between the low-level trigger and high-level trigger for each relay individually.

If you're interested in learning the fundamentals of relays, I recommend checking out the ESP8266 - Relay tutorial. The tutorial provides detailed information on:

How to connect relay to high-voltage devices
The terms normally closed and normally open
The terms low-level trigger and high-level trigger
How to control relay using ESP8266

Wiring Diagram

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

See more in ESP8266's pinout and how to supply power to the ESP8266 and other components.

If you plan to use the 5V pins to power additional components, there's a chance that the relay module won't receive enough power. Therefore, it's essential to use a separate 5V power source specifically for the module.

So, we need to use three types of power sources:

A 5V power adapter for ESP8266
A 5V power adapter for the 2-channel relay module
One or several higher-voltage power adapters (12VDC, 24VDC, 48VDC, 220AC...) for things that are controlled by the 2-channel relay module

Below is the wiring diagram using three power sources. The power supply for the ESP8266 (not shown in the image) can be connected either through a USB cable or a power jack.

The wiring diagram between ESP8266 NodeMCU and 2-channel relay module external power source

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

To reduce the number of power adapters required, we can simplify things by using a single 5V power supply for both the ESP8266 and the 2-channel relay module.

The wiring diagram between ESP8266 NodeMCU and 2-channel relay module two power source

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

※ NOTE THAT:

If the two devices controlled by a 2-channel relay module operate at the same voltage, we can utilize a single high-voltage power adapter to supply power to both devices. However, if the devices require different voltages, we can independently use separate high-voltage power adapters for each device.

How To Program For 2-Channel Relay Module

Initializes the ESP8266 pin to the digital output mode by using pinMode() function.

pinMode(PIN_RELAY_1, OUTPUT); pinMode(PIN_RELAY_2, OUTPUT);

Control the relay's state by using digitalWrite() function.

digitalWrite(PIN_RELAY_1, HIGH); digitalWrite(PIN_RELAY_2, HIGH);

ESP8266 Code

/* * This ESP8266 NodeMCU code was developed by newbiely.com * * This ESP8266 NodeMCU code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/esp8266/esp8266-2-channel-relay-module */ #define PIN_RELAY_1 D6 // The ESP8266 pin connected to the IN1 pin of relay module #define PIN_RELAY_2 D7 // The ESP8266 pin connected to the IN2 pin of relay module // The setup function runs once on reset or power-up void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); // Configure the ESP8266 pin as an digital output. pinMode(PIN_RELAY_1, OUTPUT); pinMode(PIN_RELAY_2, OUTPUT); } // The loop function repeats indefinitely void loop() { Serial.println("Turned on both relays"); digitalWrite(PIN_RELAY_1, HIGH); digitalWrite(PIN_RELAY_2, HIGH); delay(2000); Serial.println("Turned off both relays"); digitalWrite(PIN_RELAY_1, LOW); digitalWrite(PIN_RELAY_2, LOW); delay(2000); }

Detailed Instructions

Copy the above code and open with Arduino IDE
Click Upload button on Arduino IDE to upload code to ESP8266
Listen the click sound on relays.
Check out the result on the Serial Monitor.

COM6

Send

Turned on both relays Turned off both relays Turned on both relays Turned off both relays Turned on both relays Turned off both relays Turned on both relays Turned off both relays

Autoscroll Show timestamp

Clear output

9600 baud

Newline

Video Tutorial

Function References

Learn More

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