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Power Switch @ Home Depot
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:23 pm
by ugly_guitar_guy
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!
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:56 pm
by beeg
NOPE. It's rated for 3/4HP.
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 8:48 pm
by wa2crk
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
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 8:52 pm
by romc101
switch is rated 10 amps 110 volts 20 amps at 220
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 8:57 pm
by jcraigie
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.
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 9:07 pm
by JPG
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.
Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 11:18 pm
by billmayo
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.
Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:31 pm
by ugly_guitar_guy
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.
Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:36 pm
by JPG
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.
Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:36 pm
by ugly_guitar_guy
JPG40504 wrote:You need to look for a 1 1/2 hp rating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And 115v 20A.
10-4. Thanks JPG!