Uh, 250v rocker switch?

[OFC Ranger]

So I am trying to use the 3 prong Hella rocker switches that came with my lights for another project. Keeps blowing my test fuse. I look more carefully at the switch and its labeled as 250v.

wtf that can't be right can it?

Upon closer inspection says 120VAC/250VAC.

Really Hella...

Or am I missing something here?

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[canyonslicker]

Pic?

 

[canyonslicker]

It should be ok for 12 VDC

 

[ctechbob]

You're missing something. The switch doesn't care whether is it AC or DC. That is just the rating of the contacts. Anything above that voltage and you'd have a breakdown of the insulation or contacts. Your problem likely lies elsewhere.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

So I am trying to use the 3 prong Hella rocker switches that came with my lights for another project. Keeps blowing my test fuse. I look more carefully at the switch and its labeled as 250v.

wtf that can't be right can it?

Upon closer inspection says 120VAC/250VAC.

Really Hella...

Or am I missing something here?

So I am trying to use the 3 prong Hella rocker switches that came with my lights for another project. Keeps blowing my test fuse. I look more carefully at the switch and its labeled as 250v.

wtf that can't be right can it?

Upon closer inspection says 120VAC/250VAC.

Really Hella...

Or am I missing something here?

Hi Jack,

Switch is fine for rating above what you are using....You have a wiring problem in my opinion... not a switch rating problem....

Best,
Phil

 

[Trigganometry]

It’s the amperage the switch can handle before contacts pit or arc. For anything over a few Amps switch by itself probably won’t last long. Need a relay and let the switch drive that with low coil load. Will last then

 

[canyonslicker]

More info on what you’re switching and switch part number would go a long way..

 

[SigOris]

Likely your problem is your TEST FUSE is improperly sized for current draw.

 

[OFC Ranger]

It’s the amperage the switch can handle before contacts pit or arc. For anything over a few Amps switch by itself probably won’t last long. Need a relay and let the switch drive that with low coil load. Will last then

Ah this is probably going to be the culprit as I am not testing them with a load or relay. You guys know me, I've done a ton of electrical, but this is actually the first time using a single switch. Looks like I need to add a test relay to my test circuit gear.

 

[Metal Geezer]

Looks just like my service kit

 

[Peragrin]

In old job we had an electrical fuse panel that was burned to a crisp. the repair job whent he fused burned out was to put a piece of 14 guage wire along the side of the 200 amp fuse.

The melted panel burned everything but the fuse and that piece of copper.

Remember electrically speaking 14 gauge copper is only good for 15 amps however it is also massively underrated to keep idiots safe.

Lesson number 1 don't think you know the amperages to stuff.

 

[Wytchdctr]

I thought a 20A 250VDC switch would be far more impressive looking.. so my original "super helpful" post just lost all of its ability to be funny. I thought it would look more like an old-school breaker type thing. No... just a normal but beefy switch.

Good luck finding the issue.

 

[Jason B]

Yeah, that's right!. But, I can't find the needed 130 Amp fuses as they quit making them decades ago.

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