Quote Originally Posted by Neale View Post
Why build a second power supply just to run the relay? How about driving a 24V relay from the existing power supply output via a suitable zener? With a zener chosen to drop enough volts to give nominal relay voltage when PSU is at working voltage, the relay will operate a little earlier than that, but by then the initial surge will be over. Even simpler, use a series resistor to give nominal relay voltage at PSU nominal output.
Interesting idea ! Why not use a filament light bulb as the inrush protection resistance. If the bulb fails nothing will happen and if it is OK it will go out when you are at operating voltage. Just an idea that 'flashed' through my addled brain.