Pull cord switch question

[AntonLargiader]

I'm trying to finalize the wiring (mostly lighting) for our new screened porch, and I'd like to use a pull cord switch. However, I don't necessarily want it in the fixture but rather wired separately like a traditional light switch. Problem is, everything I see is basically a 3A (maybe 6A) switch intended for use in a light fixture. I'd like a regular full-current switch. Common in Europe, but I'm getting the feeling that they don't exist here.

I can't imagine it would be OK to wire a 3A switch into a 15A circuit, no matter how low the actual load is.

Am I missing something?

 

[Bert_]

I'm trying to finalize the wiring (mostly lighting) for our new screened porch, and I'd like to use a pull cord switch. However, I don't necessarily want it in the fixture but rather wired separately like a traditional light switch. Problem is, everything I see is basically a 3A (maybe 6A) switch intended for use in a light fixture. I'd like a regular full-current switch. Common in Europe, but I'm getting the feeling that they don't exist here.

I can't imagine it would be OK to wire a 3A switch into a 15A circuit, no matter how low the actual load is.

Am I missing something?

Match the switch to the load. It's been done for years. It's common to put a 15 amp switch on a 20 amp circuit. For many years wall switches were only rated for 5 or 10 amps

 

[AntonLargiader]

I suppose so. I've been looking at it as if the OCPD protects the wiring, and the switch is part of that wiring. But there are plenty of 600W dimmers out there; I guess it's not that different.

Now to find one that is decent quality. The Leviton 10097-8 is probably a good starting point.

 

[Kaizen]

Outdoor ceiling fan with light is great on a porch


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[ArcticGabe]

Just be sure you do not wire the switch to an outlet regardless of what you plan to plug into it.