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bigben2k · 03-08-2004, 07:10 PM

The switch is probably fine.

It's just a good idea to check, because sometimes you never know quite for sure: maybe the switch drives another switch, in which case it could be severely under-rated.

Amps do matter, as well as volts, and quite seperately. A high voltage will spark easier, wearing the switch contacts prematurely. A high amp load, above the rating, will overheat and melt the switch, regardless of voltage.

As a fun exercise, look around your house, and try to find a switch that can handle a 15 amp load: other than the one in the wall, you're not likely to find one, and while they're relatively "common", they're actually a bit hard to find, sometimes.

edit: BTW, there are also a few other factors to consider, when selecting a switch, such as the number of times it's rated to be flipped ON and OFF.

03-08-2004, 07:10 PM	#7
bigben2k Responsible for 2% of all the posts here. Join Date: May 2002 Location: Texas, U.S.A. Posts: 8,302	The switch is probably fine. It's just a good idea to check, because sometimes you never know quite for sure: maybe the switch drives another switch, in which case it could be severely under-rated. Amps do matter, as well as volts, and quite seperately. A high voltage will spark easier, wearing the switch contacts prematurely. A high amp load, above the rating, will overheat and melt the switch, regardless of voltage. As a fun exercise, look around your house, and try to find a switch that can handle a 15 amp load: other than the one in the wall, you're not likely to find one, and while they're relatively "common", they're actually a bit hard to find, sometimes. edit: BTW, there are also a few other factors to consider, when selecting a switch, such as the number of times it's rated to be flipped ON and OFF. __________________ WBTA (Water Block Testing Alliance) Nordic Hardware WC 101 Last edited by bigben2k; 03-08-2004 at 07:29 PM.