Switch for vaporizer

I use this switch for a hot vaporizer.

I noticed the switch get pretty warm when vaporizer is running.

It draws 5 amps, but the switch is rate at 3 amps.

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Does it look like any problems based on the picture?

Andy

Reply to
scientist77017
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That is a dumb ass question. If something draws 5 amps,use a switch rated for 5 amps or more.

It may go forever and not cause any problems, or it may overhear and cause a fire in the next day or so.

Reply to
Ralph Mowery

Yes. Heating goes as current squared, and the contacts will probably wear with use and make the heating worse. It's a fire hazard.

Scientists should know that.

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John Larkin         Highland Technology, Inc 
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Reply to
John Larkin

I would toss it and fit a decent 2 pole 10amp switch, why take chances ?

Reply to
Rheilly Phoull

Why the hell would you use a 3 amp switch on a 5 amp circuit?

Reply to
Tom Biasi

Yup, That sucker looks as if it uses insulation piercing connections, which makes for a quick assembly, but poor connection. A better quality switch would be a good idea.

Reply to
default

There is nothing wrong with that switch if used properly.

I have used them for many,many years with no problems.

Many lamps sold have them.

Andy

Reply to
scientist77017

Yup, most days it will work. It wouldn't get UL (etc) approval if it didn't. Cheap, dirty, maximize profit, is the ultimate manufacturing goal. It a few fires or lives are lost, that's not the concern of the profit makers. We are expendable after a certain profit/cost point is reached.

I know. I designed this stuff. In the last analysis the bean-counters have the absolute say.

But now that that's out of the way... if it is getting hot/warm and not producing action, that thing is either inefficient or you just have a poor connection.

The standard for what I will accept, and what the bean counters find satisfactory, are different.

It's your life and your choice.

Reply to
default

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