Adequate switch for UL-triode-pentode

[mskl99]

I would like one 4P3T switch or 2 2P3T switches to switch between UL-triode-pentode mode for a quad of EL34's.
Do I need a switch rated for hundred of volts DC. I see a lot of switches rated for, say, 250V AC and multiple amps of current. Are those OK. Also, do I need a super high quality switch.
Any specific suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[azazello]

Quad per channel, or two pair for stereo?

 

[mskl99]

2 pairs for stereo, both pairs in the same chassis.
Mike

 

[azazello]

250 v/1 or 2 A. Small chinese micro switches are not suitable /with small contacts inside/.

 

[Merlinb]

In theory you should get a switch with a peak voltage rating that exceeds the amp's DC supply voltage (since the voltage between some of the contacts may swing that much), but a heavy-duty 240V switch should be fine in practice.

 

[mskl99]

Is that 240V AC? The DC ratings of most of the switches I have seen are considerably lower than their AC ratings.

 

[Merlinb]

Is that 240V AC? The DC ratings of most of the switches I have seen are considerably lower than their AC ratings.

Yes AC. Since you will presumably only switch it when the amp is off, it's DC break capability isn't really an issue. The DC current screen current is quite small in any case.

 

[mskl99]

Thanks, everybody, for your help. This is one of those little newbie issues that can take more research than the actual amplifier design.