Do switches have voltage ratings?
Switches are rated according to their electrical characteristics. For example, a switch may be rated at 250 volts dc, 10 amperes. Some switches have more than one rating. For example, a single switch may be rated at 250 volts dc, 10 amperes; 500 volts ac, 10 amperes; and 28 volts dc, 20 amperes.
Are switches rated for amps?
Switches and dimmers open and close electrical circuits to control lights, fans and other electrical devices. Most residential switches are rated at 15 amps, whereas industrial and residential switches usually are rated at 20 amps.
What does the voltage rating on a switch mean?
The voltage rating is a function of a switch’s ability to suppress the internal arc that occurs when a switch’s contacts open. The voltage rating specified on Carling Technologies’ switches represents the maximum voltage allowable for the switch to function properly at the rated current.
What’s the maximum DC current you can use on a switch?
DC Rule of Thumb. For those switches that list an AC voltage rating only, the “DC Rule of Thumb” can be applied for determining the switch’s maximum DC current rating. This “rule” states the highest amperage on the switch should perform satisfactorily up to 30 volts DC.
What does the amp rating on a Carling switch mean?
The voltage rating specified on Carling Technologies’ switches represents the maximum voltage allowable for the switch to function properly at the rated current. The amp rating of a Carling switch is the maximum current in amperes the switch will carry continuously.
What’s the maximum amp rating for a VAC switch?
So, in the example below the maximum amp rating for this switch at 250 volts AC (VAC) is 10 amps; the maximum amp rating at 125 volts AC for the same switch is 15 amps. Switches that are going to be subjected to high-inrush inductive loads, such as an AC motor, will often be rated in horsepower in addition to volts and amps.