I am attempting to create a lamp with 5 bulbs (Edison connections, 23W each fluorescents (100W incandescent EQ)) Connected to a standard wall outlet. I want to have a switch built into this, and would love to use a small toggle switch rated at 125VAC but I have no idea what amperage it needs to be rated at. I haven't done any projects with electricity in over 10 years and am afraid my memory has failed me on what all I need to worry about. If there is anything else other than the amp rating of the switch I am overlooking please let me know. Thanks!
2007-03-09 15:34:03 · 6 answers · asked by Aaron S 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
A regular toggle switch should be OK since most handle 10 to 15 amps. A slider or lamp cord switch also would be OK since you said you were getting the power from a receptacle. The minimum receptacle usually run 15 amps (roughly 1500 watts) @100 VAC. 20 Amps @ 200 VAC will run 2000 watts so you can see you are well covered.
The bulbs you will be using are measured using the 23 watts and not the light output (100 watts).
One last idea, Don't try using a dimmer as your fluorescent bulbs won't like it and it affects their lifespan as well.
2007-03-10 06:48:02 · answer #1 · answered by norman8012003 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most toggle switches you buy are rated for 10amps/125vac. You can however buy heavy duty switches that rate at 15 or 20 amps. If you use this formula you can figure out exactly what your lamp will draw. Watts / Volts = Amps. You should be fine.
2007-03-10 06:58:10 · answer #2 · answered by zoso63 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
other than the amps i don't see any thing missing except the fact that some one else could put regular 100 watt bulbs but even then it only draws about 4 amps so i would go with a switch with that rating or higher
2007-03-10 14:19:12 · answer #3 · answered by soilder6 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The standard switch is 15 amps.
2007-03-10 00:33:07 · answer #4 · answered by thistexan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Power(P) = Voltage(E) X Amperage (I)
P/V = I
P = P1 + P2 + P3 + P4
P = 23 + 23 + 23 + 23 + 23 = 115
V = 125
115/125 = .92 amps
Worth considering, not really, most all commercial swithches will handle this amperage easily.
2007-03-10 00:33:01 · answer #5 · answered by MT C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a 120vac 15a toggle switch will work just fine.
2007-03-09 23:38:10 · answer #6 · answered by ctyankey 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋