You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Switch Timer electrical rating help
- Thread starter Petejoe
- Start date
thx.rlwhitetr3b
Well-known member
A mA is 1/1000 of an Amp, so your switch could handle 5000mA. I would think you would be fine.
Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.A mA is 1/1000 of an Amp, so your switch could handle 5000mA. I would think you would be fine.
Rick.
Ps. I apologize, I realized now there’s an electrical discussion section.
Last edited:
rlitman
Well-known member
A mA is 1/1000 of an Amp, so your switch could handle 5000mA. I would think you would be fine.
The switch can handle 5000mA of a TUNSTEN load. That is for resistive heating elements. The limit for LED loads would be quite a bit lower.
Based on the HorsePower rating of 1/10HP, you'd be safe at 75W motor load, and I would consider LED load to be similar.
The actual LED load you're asking for is 138x12=1656mA and 108W. My guess is it will work, but may fail prematurely because you're over the 75W real rating, even though you're well under the 625W artificial rating.
Can you split the load over two of these switches?
Yes, I can split the load with two switches.
Thanks for the added information.
FYI.
This set up is for an upcoming community ghost tour that will be lighting up above a corn field. Sporadic on and
Off power every 5 minutes with flickering bulbs.
A lot of extension cords involved.
Think “orbs or swamp gas.”
��
Still a kid at heart.
Thanks for the added information.
FYI.
This set up is for an upcoming community ghost tour that will be lighting up above a corn field. Sporadic on and
Off power every 5 minutes with flickering bulbs.
A lot of extension cords involved.
Think “orbs or swamp gas.”
��
Still a kid at heart.
Last edited:
How old is the timer/switch. LED devices have a very high inrush current due to the internal drivers. Because of this, LED's will kill photocells, motion sensors, and timer/switches that have no defense against the inrush.
Most photocell manufacturers have upgraded their products and will put a small "LED" logo on their box to indicate that is OK to use. Manufacturers of switches and inwall timers will indicate if their products are compatible with LEDs. Most motion sensor companies haven't figured it out yet.
It's not the total load that's an issue.
Check to see if your device is compatible.
Good luck,
CD
Most photocell manufacturers have upgraded their products and will put a small "LED" logo on their box to indicate that is OK to use. Manufacturers of switches and inwall timers will indicate if their products are compatible with LEDs. Most motion sensor companies haven't figured it out yet.
It's not the total load that's an issue.
Check to see if your device is compatible.
Good luck,
CD
rlitman
Well-known member
...Most photocell manufacturers have upgraded their products and will put a small "LED" logo on their box to indicate that is OK to use...
Photocells are somewhat of a different issue. Some cheap old style photocells would flicker rapidly at dawn and dusk. It wouldn't be an issue for incandescent bulbs, but would eat fluorescent lamps rapidly. LED rated models have electronics that snap them on and stay that way for the duration of the day.
As I pointed out above, the switch in question has a horsepower rating for motor loads. That certainly accounts for inrush current and bad power factor, and if you stick to that number you should be safe with an LED load. Note that in this case, the LED switch rating is only 12% of the tungsten rating.
I'd guess that for a one-season holiday display, the one switch option would probably last just fine. But for a permanent installation, I'd expect it to live a relatively short life. If you plan to pack this up and re-use it year after year, you'll likely have less headaches splitting the load or going with a bigger switch.
You don't necessarily need a second timer. You could use the output from your timer to drive a 120V coil relay. This relay for example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030G8SC8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
has a 2.0HP rating on the NO contacts, which could easily switch your load forever without strain, and without a second timer.