I want to use a rotary switch to control power to a 3 track staging yard. The ones I can find are rated .3 amps @ 125 VAC. Is that enough capacity or do I need a bggier switch? If so what do you recommend?
Thanks.
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Higher capacity rotary switches are available, but are very($100+)expensive. 6 amp capacity standard mini toggle switches will do for your 3 track yard-- one for each track. Either a SPST(switching power to center rail) OR DPDT(switching both center and outside rail) will do. If you will have a passenger train in the yard, then I'd use 10 amp switches. The 3 toggle switches won't take up much more space on your control panel than the rotary switch will.
hope this helps---
If you need small rotary switches and high currents, you could always consider having the switches control relays to supply the power to the rails. 
Originally Posted by Fec fan:
.... 6 amp capacity standard mini toggle switches will do for your 3 track yard-- one for each track. ..
i'll agree with this for a second reason. the rotary switch might sound like a good idea now, but there will be times when you will want more than one track powered and the rotary switch will not give you that option.
Great reply from everyone, I agree with the toggle switches. At some point you will wish you had control of each track to turn on and off any combination. I sure am glad that I used individual switches, DPDT. Just my 2 cents.
Here is a $5 rotary switch with 11 positions rated at 10amps/125VAC.
Originally Posted by N.Q.D.Y.:
If you need small rotary switches and high currents, you could always consider having the switches control relays to supply the power to the rails.
I like this idea as it vastly increases your choice of low-current switches including non-rotary switch types. 5-10 Amp relays are readily available and reasonably priced (a few dollar each). This also means you are computer/remote control ready should the time come.
