What do you guys use for HV toggles?

leadbelly · 24th January 2006, 08:30 PM

What do you guys use for toggle switches in HV applications, such as a pentode/triode strapping switch? I may be wrong, but this isn't a trivial application of a standard 250V switch and linearly derating for voltage. I have been burned in the past by what I assume is capacitive coupling through a submini switch and have seen plenty of surplus switches hade of ancient looking dielectrics I wouldn't trust for 400V. Am I wrong?

Sherman · 24th January 2006, 08:39 PM

I have put triode/pentode switches on a couple amps I've built and used regular mini or sub-mini toggles. I just don't switch it with power on. If you want to switch from triode to pentode while the amp is on you should use a switch rated for the voltage it will see.

EC8010 · 24th January 2006, 09:15 PM

Given that with a 400V HT, the audio could swing to almost +800V, you're right to be cautious. Whatever type of switch it is, it should have its body securely bonded to the chassis to prevent an internal arc from ending up on the toggle. I'm don't recall seeing any readily available switches that I'd trust. Hopefully, someone will come up with something...

SY · 24th January 2006, 10:25 PM

This is why God invented relays.

Tweeker · 24th January 2006, 11:19 PM

Check local code before installing.

leadbelly · 24th January 2006, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tweeker

Check local code before installing.

I'm sure it would work, but having to put on a suit every time I switched from triode to pentode or back is just too inconvenient...

Majestic · 25th January 2006, 02:59 AM

lol!

He has his other hand in his pocket at least...

anatech · 25th January 2006, 03:06 AM

Hi SY,
You caught me off guard with that one! I needed a laugh! Thanks.

And yes, relays are a very good idea for this.

-Chris

Tweeker · 25th January 2006, 03:34 AM

Dont know why Mr Crosley is so nervous, its just a filament generator.

Tony · 25th January 2006, 08:28 AM

i use small ones and don't seem to be any problem, i can switch from triode to pentode mode on the fly!

this is my EL84 SET amp:

24th January 2006, 08:30 PM	#1
leadbelly diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Calgary, Alberta	What do you guys use for HV toggles? What do you guys use for toggle switches in HV applications, such as a pentode/triode strapping switch? I may be wrong, but this isn't a trivial application of a standard 250V switch and linearly derating for voltage. I have been burned in the past by what I assume is capacitive coupling through a submini switch and have seen plenty of surplus switches hade of ancient looking dielectrics I wouldn't trust for 400V. Am I wrong? __________________ Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines. Enzo Ferrari

24th January 2006, 08:39 PM	#2
Sherman diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago area	I have put triode/pentode switches on a couple amps I've built and used regular mini or sub-mini toggles. I just don't switch it with power on. If you want to switch from triode to pentode while the amp is on you should use a switch rated for the voltage it will see. __________________ --Sherman

24th January 2006, 09:15 PM	#3
EC8010 diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Near London. UK	Given that with a 400V HT, the audio could swing to almost +800V, you're right to be cautious. Whatever type of switch it is, it should have its body securely bonded to the chassis to prevent an internal arc from ending up on the toggle. I'm don't recall seeing any readily available switches that I'd trust. Hopefully, someone will come up with something... __________________ The loudspeaker: The only commercial Hi-Fi item where a disproportionate part of the budget isn't spent on the box. And the one where it would make a difference...

24th January 2006, 10:25 PM	#4
SY diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Austin, TX Blog Entries: 1	This is why God invented relays. __________________ “Listening to records is like ****ing a picture of Brigitte Bardot.” - Sergiu Celibidache

24th January 2006, 11:19 PM	#5
Tweeker diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio	Check local code before installing. __________________ Be sure your foil hat has a good low impedance ground.

25th January 2006, 02:59 AM	#7
Majestic diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Melbourne	lol! He has his other hand in his pocket at least... __________________ check out my avitar and go easy on me ok? :-)

25th January 2006, 03:06 AM	#8
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi SY, You caught me off guard with that one! I needed a laugh! Thanks. And yes, relays are a very good idea for this. -Chris

25th January 2006, 03:34 AM	#9
Tweeker diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio	Dont know why Mr Crosley is so nervous, its just a filament generator. __________________ Be sure your foil hat has a good low impedance ground.

25th January 2006, 08:28 AM	#10
Tony diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Palatiw, Pasig City	small togle switches i use small ones and don't seem to be any problem, i can switch from triode to pentode mode on the fly! this is my EL84 SET amp: __________________ http://www.electronicslab.ph/forum/i...?topic=32688.0

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