20 amp single pole switch

Ultradog MN

Well-known Member
Location
Twin Cities
Heavy enough to switch a single 60 watt bulb?
Don't want to be accused of undersizing my componants :)
Also, is it code to use a ivory cover on a white switch?
It's what I found in the junk drawer.

100_12891_zpsbbf17d82.jpg
 
Might want to double check the markings on the switch strap. The blue front housing indicates it is a 15 amp switch. 20 amp switches are red, and 30 amp are green. Standard colors. P&S, Leviton, Hubbell, all use these colors to indicate amperage of switches.

Charles
 
(quoted from post at 15:54:29 07/11/13) Heavy enough to switch a single 60 watt bulb?
Don't want to be accused of undersizing my componants :)
Also, is it code to use a ivory cover on a white switch?
It's what I found in the junk drawer.

<img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h56/Ultradog/junk/100_12891_zpsbbf17d82.jpg">
ome on, man! Didnt they teach you anything is grade school? 20 and 60. Which is bigger? Ivory & white mix is OK, but white and some of those other colors are a no no!
 
Your code must be differant than what we have. In my area switchs come in white cream and dark brown and it makes no differance what the amps are.
 
60 watt bulb draws about one half an amp. A 15 amp switch (the smallest that is generally available) would be more than plenty.

Electrical inspectors don't care a whit about what color plate you use- for the most part, they never see the cover plate anyhow, because they do their last inspection before the plates go on.
 
Article 999.99 -9 . Toggles on switches and all cover plates must be of the same variety. Exception 1 tan covers and ivory toggles may be mixed. Then from the Handbook[ which gives further info]. Installations of non-matching toggle switches and cover plates have been the cause of many explosions and vast fire damage to many facilities. All screws must also be correct paint shades Exception .1 Bathroom screws must be nylon or non-conductive and may not be required to color match. Automotive paints shall not be used to change colors by repaiinting. Exception 2 Stainless steel plates Exception 3 if the switch body is blue and going into a plastic box of matching blue color any color plate may be used.
Be careful .
 
For only one 60 amp bulb you'll be fine with your switch. I think any color cover will do so, no one can touch the wires. Hal
 
Charles in GA,
You're correct that it's a 15 amp.
Had to put my cheaters on to read it.
To the rest of you,
Now I'm curious what is a switch like this used for if it's the same rating as the cheap ones?
It seems heavier duty.
I just assumed it was 20 amp because of it's size. It's been in the drawer for a few years.
 
(quoted from post at 14:52:41 07/11/13) Charles in GA,
You're correct that it's a 15 amp.
Had to put my cheaters on to read it.
To the rest of you,
Now I'm curious what is a switch like this used for if it's the same rating as the cheap ones?
It seems heavier duty.
I just assumed it was 20 amp because of it's size. It's been in the drawer for a few years.
here are two types of switches, theres the $1.50 cheap switch and then there is the $8.00 good quality switch. it looks like you have the 8 buck switch in the picture
 
This commercial or spec grade switch is used instead of the $.89 cheapie by people who don't want to replace switches every year!
 
I looked it up and he is useing a commercial switch and for a 60 watt light a $8.00 residential switch would be sufficient and will last about as long as a commercil switch at a lot less cost.
 
Does it say anything about all the cover screw slots must run in the same direction? Just a pet peeve of mine. :)
 
If the switch does not have the "T" for tungsten lamps. It's not legal even if it is a 20 amp switch supplying a single 60W lamp.
 
"Explosions and vast fire damage" caused by using the wrong color cover plate? You're kidding, right?

"Surely you can't be serious."

"I'm very serious. And don't call me Shirley."
 
If not a "T" then what, the contacts can't handle the arc when contact is made and broken?
So tungsten has lower resistance until it heats up in the bulb, then is that initial turn-on current the problem?
Is the issue arcing that can cause explosions?
Respectfully,

Greg
 
To formulate a basic understanding why switches have a "tungsten" lamp rating, GOOGLE "incandescent lamp inrush current".
 
No No No There are red wire nuts inside the blue box. I also see a bare ground wire near the hot black. Hope you haven"t turned the power on yet. I foresee bad things happening when this switch is used. :)
 
Here Bob,

A more direct note on 60W incandescent bulbs that can have as much as a 15% higher inrush current (7.5A), still safe in my mind for a 15A switch, although the "T" type will have a longer service life.

http://www.powerbox.info/ssl/inRushCurrent.asp

Greg
 
Thanks Bob,

The 60W incandescent bulb can have up 15 "times" more current at inrush over the steady state current.
The inrush would be 7.5A for a 60W and 15A for a 100W bulb.

Regards,

Greg
 
Thanks B&D,
Shouldn't be a problem as I'll just run out and buy a $150 halogen light. It's just on my deer stand anyway so it doesn't have to be fancy.
 
Thats funny I used to make all the screws verticle. Once a co-worker installed a plate on a multi-gang switch set-up and didn't do that and the building manager called the shop and said the other guy left the screws all messed up. The contractor didn't know what he was talking about.
 
And while were at it - how much of a gap do you have there between the surface of the paneling and the front of the box?

hard to tell in the picture - but looks like it's recessed in a good 1/4", no?

Picky I know - but since you're talking codes...
 
(quoted from post at 09:27:56 07/12/13) Thats funny I used to make all the screws verticle. Once a co-worker installed a plate on a multi-gang switch set-up and didn't do that and the building manager called the shop and said the other guy left the screws all messed up. The contractor didn't know what he was talking about.

I don't see why all electricians don't do that. It doesn't take any more work, and it looks a lot better when it is done.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top