(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

will a 6 volt light switch handle 12 volts

S

SDE

Well-known Member
I put an alternator on my F 20. Do I need to replace the old 6 volt, 4 position light switch?
TY
SDE
 
6 volt switch will handle 12 volts better then it does 6 volts since on 12 volts it will see less amps and amps are what burns out switches because more am means more heat.
 
That was what I thought also, but the fuse was blown and it was getting warm to the touch after I replaced it.
TY
SDE
 
Good chance the switch is bad already so it is just showing it self now as in the contacts are burned and where before you made the switch to 12 volts
 
Make sure the fuse connections, and all the light connections, are clean and shiny, tarnish and corrosion create, resistance and resistance creates heat. Mark.
 
If my memory serves, those 4 position light switches have resistors on them. In that case, yes they will get hotter. V=IxR voltage equals current times resistance. Changing it around, current is voltage divided by resistance.

Current = (6 volts) / 4ohms = 1.5 amps

Current = (12 volts) / 4 ohms = 3 amps

Power = current x volts = 1.5amps x 6v =9 watts

Power = 3 amps x 12 volts = 36 watts.

So by doubing the voltage from 6 to 12v, you

Quadrupled the power consumption.

Your switch should be much hotter.

You might want to find a 12v switch.
 
He has an alternator so the resister part of his swithc should not be used since it was part of the generator system if once had
 
(quoted from post at 16:48:52 08/16/20) My next move was to open the switch and clean the contacts.
TY
SDE
Click to expand...

That's a good place to start. I know the switch on my BN has been working for over 20 years after I converted to 12V alternator. But do check that you are not putting power through the resister if yours has one. I don't recall what my BN looks like don't think I've had reason to look in there in 20+ years.

If there is any doubt take a good picture and post it here and I or someone else should be able to help.
 
The answer to your specific question "I put an alternator on my F 20. Do I need to replace the old 6 volt, 4 position light switch?"

DEPENDS

If you now have an alternator and ifffffff the old 4 position light switch was a LHDB which was a manual Low High charge control switch
THAT PART OF THE SWITCH USED TO MANUALLY REGULATE THE CHARGE ON A GENERATOR IS NOTTTTTTTTTTT USED although it (If the correct switch) can be used to turn lights on or off in Dim or Bright.

YES in general a switch on an old 6 volt can be used at 12 volts because the current (subject to lights) IS LESS

Old switches can develop burning and pitting and corrosion and resistive contacts so if thats the problem repair or replace it

John T
 
The original 6 volt four position switch has two resistors. One for head lights to give a dim position and one for low charge on generator.

You don't use either resister when switching to 12 volts, bright lights only and alternator has no need for that low charge resistor.

Fuse getting hot, like others said, poor contact in holder. Melts the solder out of fuse rather than burst the element unless you have way too many lights for that fuse holder to handle.

Switch is easy to take apart and clean up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
Fooled again 300 u won't start in the cold.
Replies
16
Views
705
Paul 300 U
P
P
300 u 6 to 12 v conversion update problem
2
Replies
28
Views
907
Paul 300 U
P
F
B F Avery
Replies
4
Views
599
used red MN
U
D
Need for ballast Resistor in 12V conversion
Replies
11
Views
756
Pete in Holland MI
P
C
RTU 12 volt conversion
Replies
5
Views
200
wore out
wore out
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

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.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top