I am building a small EV and have up to 26 amps @ 38.4 vdc (theorectically). I was trying to find an enexpensive way to separate the multiple 9.6vdc NIMH battery packs to facilitate charging.
2006-12-22 04:06:22 · 7 answers · asked by bronsonj 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Thank you all so much for your help.
I do only plan on flipping the switches when there is no actual flow of electricity. I was specifically worried because I know AC effectivly turns off 60 times per second here in the USA. DC never turns off as long as there is a source and a load. I was worried about over heating the elements in the switch.
2006-12-22 05:16:15 · update #1
The question of AC vs. DC is a matter of current much more so than voltage here. Switches that need to break under load (that is, be opened when current is flowing) have very different ratings for DC vs. AC. It is not unusual for a 120 VAC 10 amp switch to have a 50 VDC 2 amp rating. The arcing caused by opening a switch under DC current is much more damaging to the contacts than AC current. There are switches are made specifically to handle high DC currents.
The issue of low DC current ratings on switches is only important if you switch under load. In your case, it sounds like you will be switching when no current is flowing. If that is true, then an AC switch with a 26 amp rating will work fine. Be warned though that accidentally switching under load will not be good for the switch. In a worst case, you could actually weld the contacts together.
2006-12-22 04:46:55 · answer #1 · answered by Pretzels 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a big mechanical switch right? Nothing clever and electronic about it? If the switch can handle the current then you should be OK but be aware that AC and DC ratings can be different and they probably won't tell you the DC rating. This is generally less because AC has less problems with electric arcing than DC. For example one particular switch I know is rated at 2A AC but DC only 100mA!
That is why high current switches for trucks and boats cost more.
2006-12-22 04:43:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Check the current rating on the switch 26 amps is alot of current
2006-12-22 04:11:53 · answer #3 · answered by Mike 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For your application I recomend an old style blade switch. It will handle the load without having the heat buildup and will provide service for years.
2006-12-22 06:08:33 · answer #4 · answered by itsbob1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No problem in using a switch rated at a higher voltage to control a lower voltage - as long as the switch is rated for the amperage.
2006-12-22 04:13:33 · answer #5 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
here is a aource for battery disconnect switches.
2006-12-22 07:06:34 · answer #6 · answered by MarkG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be carefull with 26 Amps of juice because 1Amp is enough to kill you and 26 Amps is enough to bbq you to a crisp.
2006-12-22 04:15:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
U can´t use AC with DC.....
2006-12-22 04:09:53 · answer #8 · answered by No Name! 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋