Battery switch rating question

balee123

Basic and likely stupid question, but here goes........

This switch is rated at 32V and 300A continuous. Can I use it at 48V if the current is kept below 200A?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MMFJH0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1UNWS4MSNTF2A

http://www.bluesea.com/products/6007/m-Series_Mini_Selector_Battery_Switch_-_Red

vtmaps

Re: Battery switch rating question

balee123 wrote: »

This switch is rated at 32V and 300A continuous. Can I use it at 48V if the current is kept below 200A?

Unfortunately, no. Not safe at all. Use a Midnite panel mount circuit breaker... they make great switches and are NRTL listed.

Those rotary battery switches are not listed for use in a home, even if you stay within their ratings.

read: http://www.amplepower.com/primer/burnt_sw/index.html

--vtMaps

inetdog

Re: Battery switch rating question

The big problem with using a DC switch above its voltage rating is not that the insulation will simply break down when exposed to the higher voltage. It is that the switch contacts will not be able to separate fast enough or far enough to control the DC arc which will form as the contacts separate under load.

zoneblue

Re: Battery switch rating question

.. and maybe weld, and remain connected when you most need it disconnected. Or melt completely and short to metal surrounding, thus making much bigger problems. As Bill says... that would spoil your day.