12V switches: Rule of thumb for current draw?

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bikemaniac

Member - Posts: 17

Joined: August 09, 2012

Location: Denmark

Posted: April 30, 2016 at 4:17 PM / IP Logged

Hi,

I am about to buy some switches for automotive 12V use. However, switches are often rated in terms of switching current at 250 AC.

1. If lets say a switch is rated at 250 AC and the current at 10A, what will be the max current for 12 DC?

2. How much can the current be increased if I am not switching while current is flowing? In other words, if I turn a switch to ON, while no current is flowing, how much more current can be drawn when current is flowing afterwards?

Lucas

1991 Toyota Corolla AE92 Liftback

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icearrow6

Copper - Posts: 497

Joined: February 02, 2009

Location: California, United States

Posted: April 30, 2016 at 7:52 PM / IP Logged

you want to use a home switch in a car?

10A also applies for the 12 volt application. I would advice to use a 30/40A relay to power anything above 10A.

2. WHat? this did not make any sense to me. V= I*R . so.. I = V/R for I to be "0" voltage must be 0.

if the switch is "on" but no current means there is infinite resistance. or rather not connected to anything. Im not sure i understand your question bud.

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