How To: Make a Simple Touch-Triggered Transistor Relay

In this article, I'll show you how to make a simple touch-triggered switch. This is very useful for various electronic projects, from a simple bedside light to a flat panel touch keyboard. The circuit can vary in switching power depending on the transistors you use. For example, if you're looking into creating a 120V light that turns on when touched, you'd need two powerful transistors and an isolation relay. However, a simple flashlight that turns on when touched would only take a couple of standard NPN transistors. 

Materials and Tools

To build the circuit, you'll need two standard NPN transistors, such as 2N3055 or similar. Also a 200k resistor and breadboard/protoboard to mount the final product on. In terms of tools, it's nice to have a powerful, fine-point soldering iron, but any will do. You'll also need some flux-core solder and some wire cutters. 

Here's a photo and pinout of the 2N3055:

Note: This transistor is quite large and intended for larger higher voltages than a smaller NPN transistor. However, the smaller NPN transistors work just fine if you're simply wanting to turn on and off an LED. 2N3904 is a small, handy transistor for this purpose; see the photo and pinout below:

And the resistor: 

The Circuit 

The circuit consists of two NPN transistors, arranged in what's called a "Darlington pair". In a circuit diagram, it looks something like this: 

The collectors are joined together, and the emitter of transistor 1 connects directly to the base of transistor 2. When the voltage reaches the saturation point on TR1's base, it switches on TR2, and "completes the circuit". However, this is just a part of the full schematic. The resistor and load also come into play, as depicted below:

Depending on your input voltage and transistors, the circuit should "turn on" whatever you add into the circuit (load). As you can see from the circuit, it's necessary to "bridge" the gap. However, this is only when you're using battery power. If the circuit is run from a transformer into the main, the light should turn on simply by touching the 200k resistor. This is because your body is already grounded when the circuit is powered by the main, and completes the circuit through the resistance of skin. 

If you're interested in other electronic projects, check out Making Electromagnetic Weapons: The EMP Generator and How to Make a High-Lighter Stun Gun

Warnings

• Soldering irons are hot!! Don't burn yourself.
• Don't overheat the transistors or resistor! It can be damaging. 
• If working with main power, don't electrocute yourself! AC main power is a lethal level of voltage! 
• I am not responsible for any damage or harm you cause.