Very old AEG push button switch

[thundermug]

If this topic was addressed previously, then please post the link. I couldn't find it.

I have this old bakelite AEG switch that I'd like to wire to a 1/3 hp motor. I've done this before, but only with modern switches that have marked terminals.

I see the three terminals, but they aren't marked on this one. On the opposite side are corresponding terminals.

I marked the terminals A B C, and two other mystery terminals as D E. What goes where? Thanks in advance.

https://scontent-ort2-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38135331_970919069062_8255681588277280768_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=5632f20dbe8d4abf6cc04156cd12768f&oe=5C111BCF

https://scontent-ort2-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38118915_970919009182_7604138403843538944_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=da0d45dd991c65558e6670ea44ef398a&oe=5C144263

https://scontent-ort2-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38029045_970918984232_1303505823963545600_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=0c6b5b4d40affd94d384723996558d87&oe=5BCD63D0

 

[Hdonly0]

Looks like an old manual three phase motor starter. The D and E terminals are just ground terminal strip I think. White button start, red button stop. Should work on single phase 120v or 240v. Just be sure and maintain polarity through the contacts. I could be wrong though. I have been before.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I agree with Hd
A,B, and C are the line and load terminals.
It appears that the 3 coils are thermal overloads.
I wouldn't trust it as far as I could throw it.

 

[thundermug]

I don't know very much electrical terminology, so bear with me.

Just to be clear, if I run hot into and out of terminal A, run neutral in and out of B, and then ground in and out the two ground terminals, I should be ok...in theory.

If it is a 3 phase switch, I guess that means it was made to run heavy machinery. I'm just running a small motor, so is it possible to overload or overheat the switch? If so, what is the danger?

 

[TRWham]

That device shows obvious mechanical damage (broken mounting ears and body). I am not opposed to using old equipment, but I am opposed to using old, broken equipment. You don't really know if it's cracked internally in places you cannot see. It's an interesting antique, but I would not use it.

 

[Norcal]

That device shows obvious mechanical damage (broken mounting ears and body). I am not opposed to using old equipment, but I am opposed to using old, broken equipment. You don't really know if it's cracked internally in places you cannot see. It's an interesting antique, but I would not use it.

I agree with Hd
A,B, and C are the line and load terminals.
It appears that the 3 coils are thermal overloads.
I wouldn't trust it as far as I could throw it.

This I also agree with, I like some of the "vintage" electrical gear but would rather not use it.

 

[thundermug]

Going to agree with you there. Too bad, sure is nice example of art deco.
What about this guy? Could I use this as a switch for a small motor? There are 8 terminals. I can't tell which terminals are ground, hot, etc.

https://scontent-ort2-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38085664_970942057992_7776425759882608640_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=e46f8ce04cf3eae6019200d4e0e68fe8&oe=5C062338

https://scontent-ort2-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38143527_970942372362_8640939355864563712_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=5af53bd495dec703c630423f0e89edcf&oe=5C1083F1

https://scontent-ort2-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38085667_970942087932_8791161703967490048_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=5cd20c58913c9915b3d176fffc52ebb2&oe=5BCBAD3A

 

[teamextreme]

I wouldn't trust that thing for use as a paper weight. Not to mention you can't just use any motor starter for any motor, the overloads must be properly sized. It's very likely you won't even be able to determine the size of those overloads, nor source properly sized ones for that relic. (FYI, the overloads act like little fuses and protect the motor from overloading and are the little wire-wound pieces)

 

[thundermug]

What do you think about the CH switch?

 

[Bert_]

CH switch is for use with a separate starter. I wouldn't hesitate to use either for personal use. Chances are it will out live you.

Biggest thing besides the damage on the first one would be finding out if the heaters are big enough. If they aren't it will trip consantly.

 

[Hdonly0]

Personally, I would go ahead with the first switch. On that small of a motor, it probably wont trip the overloads. Run it from a regular 20 amp 120volt outlet. See if it works. The contacts looked good from the picture. I would try it. I would try it myself. As long as its on a 20 amp breaker I don't think you will hurt anything but your feelings if it doesn't work. If it fails, go to plan "B". I like old stuff.

 

[thundermug]

Yeah, over on OWWM the discussion is about the heaters. There is a dial on the side that allows a trip paddle (term?) to be adjusted to suit how many amps are being drawn. The motor I'm running is 110V, 5.6 amps.

The motor won't be run for long periods of time. It will be powering a lathe.

Here's the dial that allows for change in amp draw.

https://scontent-ort2-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38147589_970946299492_8905624721299603456_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=dee86ffa7da1b9d2e7d7acfa4ee59093&oe=5BCADBAD

 

[Norcal]

It looks like the adjustment range is only 1.6- 2.5 A, anyway you look at it it’s too small for the intended use.

 

[thundermug]

If it's too small, then it would trip and shut off when/if it overheats. Is that correct?

 

[Norcal]

If it's too small, then it would trip and shut off when/if it overheats. Is that correct?

Yes.

 

[American Locomotive]

I'd say try it. It's just a 1/3 HP motor. You could use a normal light switch if you wanted.

 

[teamextreme]

If it's too small, then it would trip and shut off when/if it overheats. Is that correct?

No. It would trip/shut off everytime you ran it because the motor is pulling way more current than it's rated for. It would think it's a smaller motor pulling way too many amps, ie overloading.

 

[Hdonly0]

I think the first switch would work. "max.Sichg Zeoe 10 A" translates to "max calibration 10 A". Turn the dial past 2.5 amps. Keep adjusting till it holds.

 

[thundermug]

Hdonly - That's what someone from OWWM told me. Should be ok. If it trips, I'll dial it up or swap it out. The motor I'm using has overload protection.