Hello, I'm upgrading my DC to one that requires 220Volts.
Currently, I use light switches to turn on my DC. When I rewire, is it
safe to use 20A lightswitches on a 220 V line? The switches appear to
be rated by amps, but maybe they just assume you are only using 110 ..
Thus, I am asking. If it's unsafe, is there a source where I can buy a
safe 220V switch (I'm sure the Borg won't carry it).
Thanks in advance.
bf wrote:
> Hello, I'm upgrading my DC to one that requires 220Volts.
>
> Currently, I use light switches to turn on my DC. When I rewire, is it
> safe to use 20A lightswitches on a 220 V line? The switches appear to
> be rated by amps, but maybe they just assume you are only using 110 ..
> Thus, I am asking. If it's unsafe, is there a source where I can buy a
> safe 220V switch (I'm sure the Borg won't carry it).
You need a double-pole switch (which the borg actually does carry) so
that you switch both of the hots. Also, ideally your switch would be
rated for the HP of your motor, not just the amperage. Generally the HP
rating of standard lightswitches is fairly low.
Chris
There are a few ways to do this. Depending on where your switch and the 220V
power is located you may also want to use a relay. A realy is a low voltage
unit that when the low voltage switch is turned on it powers a magnet and
that magnet switches that 220V power at the machine on. Depending on the use
I either use the relay or the 220V switch.
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello, I'm upgrading my DC to one that requires 220Volts.
>
> Currently, I use light switches to turn on my DC. When I rewire, is it
> safe to use 20A lightswitches on a 220 V line? The switches appear to
> be rated by amps, but maybe they just assume you are only using 110 ..
> Thus, I am asking. If it's unsafe, is there a source where I can buy a
> safe 220V switch (I'm sure the Borg won't carry it).
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello, I'm upgrading my DC to one that requires 220Volts.
>
> Currently, I use light switches to turn on my DC. When I rewire, is it
> safe to use 20A lightswitches on a 220 V line? The switches appear to
> be rated by amps, but maybe they just assume you are only using 110 ..
> Thus, I am asking. If it's unsafe, is there a source where I can buy a
> safe 220V switch (I'm sure the Borg won't carry it).
>
I buy them at HD. Single throw, double pole. Make sure it is rated to the
HP of your DC or it won't last long.