Optocoupler to drive Peltier element (5V, 1A)

[Llama16]

Hello everyone,

small question: I see alot of schematics using an optocoupler (eg 4n33 or 4n35) to switch a peltier at 5V and 1A.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Cup-Cooler/
**broken link removed**

But when looking at the details of the octocoupler they are only suited for a CE current of 100mA, so why are they allowing over 1A to go through it? Am I missing something or are they wrong?

Kind regards,
Dries

 

[Easyrider83]

Do not belive everything what can be found in internet.

 

[Llama16]

Haha, that's why I thought I'd ask. So I'm correct?
What's the best way to do this? I've looked at SSrelays but can't seem to find a decent one.

This is what the project is about: I'm making some sort of peltier coaster that will sense the temp of the beverage when it's put on (it only activates when a beverage triggers a pressure button) and then either heats up the top side of the peltier or cools it down. For that I have to be able to use a PIC to reverse the polarity, so relays came in mind, but optocouplers seemed cheaper. Yet I can't find one that allows high current to go through, even though many schematics show me that they use optocouplers nonetheless.

 

[Easyrider83]

You need an n-channel mosfet.