Power Switch @ Home Depot

ugly_guitar_guy · Post by **ugly_guitar_guy** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:23 pm

Is this an adequate replacement for my Shopsmith? The Power switch is definitely in need of changing and I'd rather grab something locally instead of waiting for shipping.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R ... ogId=10053

Thanks!

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:56 pm

NOPE. It's rated for 3/4HP.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 8:48 pm

Beeg
Why would this switch not work. One HP = 745 watts but the switch will never dissipate that kind of power. The amperage should be what controls the rating of the switch. 20 amps at 120 volts would be 2400 watts or about 3 HP . I wonder if HD meant 3 - 4 HP and the description is a misprint. Don't remember switches being rated in HP but it may be an older standard that I am not familiar with.
Bill V

romc101 · Post by **romc101** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 8:52 pm

switch is rated 10 amps 110 volts 20 amps at 220

jcraigie · Post by **jcraigie** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 8:57 pm

romc101 wrote:switch is rated 10 amps 110 volts 20 amps at 220

Correct, you don't want to use that switch, the only place you might find a switch local is at an electrical supply house. It's a heavy duty switch.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 9:07 pm

wa2crk wrote:Beeg
Why would this switch not work. One HP = 745 watts but the switch will never dissipate that kind of power. The amperage should be what controls the rating of the switch. 20 amps at 120 volts would be 2400 watts or about 3 HP . I wonder if HD meant 3 - 4 HP and the description is a misprint. Don't remember switches being rated in HP but it may be an older standard that I am not familiar with.
Bill V

It has to do with the contact durability. An induction motor will arc the contacts when turned off.

The 1 1/2 hp rated switch will have larger contacts.

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 11:18 pm

What JPG says is very true. This is the toggle switch I have used and recommended for years.

Heavy-duty Motor-rated Toggles DPST On-Off Toggle Switch - .250 flat terminals #7300001 $5.41 ea.

http://www.delcity.net/store/Heavy!duty ... 68.a_1.t_1

JPG40504 wrote:It has to do with the contact durability. An induction motor will arc the contacts when turned off.

The 1 1/2 hp rated switch will have larger contacts.

ugly_guitar_guy · Post by **ugly_guitar_guy** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:31 pm

Ok, so I need to look for a 20A switch then? I can probably find one locally. I have several electronics supply shops around here.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:36 pm

ugly_guitar_guy wrote:Ok, so I need to look for a 20A switch then? I can probably find one locally. I have several electronics supply shops around here.

You need to look for a 1 1/2 hp rating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And 115v 20A.

ugly_guitar_guy · Post by **ugly_guitar_guy** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:36 pm

JPG40504 wrote:You need to look for a 1 1/2 hp rating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And 115v 20A.

10-4. Thanks JPG!