rocker switch

[newby]

Hi there,

I want to install some rocker switches for my 250w light kit and fans from DIYprojectorcompany and I just wanted to know if they have to go by the voltage or amps? e.g. 10A/120vac.

Thanks

 

[sound_prodigy]

the switch *should* match your usage specs... but it is <i>possible</i> that you could safly use a 120v switch in a 220v enviroment although i wouldnt recomend it simply becasue you should use the corectly rated hardware. I would definatly stick with the same amperage though....

 

[herm]

>> I just wanted to know if they have to go by the voltage or amps? e.g. 10A/120vac.

Both!

First, your switch has to be rated for 120VAC use.

Then, it has to have a rated current larger than your load.

For a 250 watt load at 120 VAC, you expected current is
250 divided by 120 = 2.1 amps

To be safe, get a switch rated at least 4 or 5 amps.

Need some recommendations?

Look here:

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/RS-128/700400/DPST_ROCKER_SWITCH,_16_AMP_.html

http://www.action-electronics.com/switches.htm#Rocker

http://www.meci.com/index.php/cPath/132_335

 

[newby]

Thanks Herm. That's exactly what I wanted to know.

 

[dnsey]

Best for this application are the dual gang switches made for fan (blow) heaters. These allow the fans to be on without the heater (read lamp), but not the other way round.

 

[newby]

dnsey, are refering to a switch with 2 ONs and an OFF in the middle so if I set it to one off the ONs,the fan will runn and when I switch it to the other ON, the fans and light will work?