Switch Question
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=31841
Printed Date: September 15, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Topic: Switch Question
Posted By: sub_zero_ac
Subject: Switch Question
Date Posted: May 09, 2004 at 2:26 AM
If a toggle switch is rated at 3amps at 120volts, and used in a 12volt situation, will it have a higher amp limit, lover or will remain unchanged? Thanks.
Replies:
Posted By: Teken
Date Posted: May 10, 2004 at 4:12 PM
Short answer: The current rating remains the same in the switch.
That is a pretty loaded question. Technically speaking the switches internal contacts are made with a specific diameter / surface area of metal to sustain a certain amount of current.
Regardless of the supply AC / DC, 3 amps is 3 amps. This does not address other AC factors such as inductance, reactance, etc.
Remember, all switches have a built in buffer of 20% to sustain peak current demands. The 3 amp rating is RMS or continous duty, with out contact arching.
Regards
EVIL Teken . . .
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