Toggle Switch Amp Ratings

Joliet & Western RailwayOGR Forum Member

Hello,

I am shopping for some toggle switches and need some expert advice regarding electric switch amp ratings for various applications.

Are these the correct switch types and amp ratings for the following applications?:

Track Blocks: Toggle, SPST on/off/on 10 Amp.

Sidings: Toggle, SPST on/off 10 Amp

Switches: Toggle, SPDT on/off/on Momentary 6A @ 125Vac, 3A @ 250Vac ?

Lighting: Toggle, SPST on/off 6A @ 125Vac, 3A @ 250Vac ??

For Uncouplers what is the proper amp rating for SPST Pushbutton (Monemtary Normally closed) switches?

Some layout details: the Joliet & Western 40 odd remote FastTrack switches will be constant powered. Each Mainline each has 13 blocks at an average length of 20-feet. Lighting to be ganged 10 LED street lights per toggle switch. (To many or two few on a switch?). The J&W is powered by one ZW-L, two CW-80s, and a few other odd transformers.

Thanks

Tim

President & CEO

Joliet & Western Railway.

Joliet, IL

1/31/141:54 PM

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RussellOGR Forum Member

Tim:

No need for the Switch you have listed for blocks unless you want to use 2 different power sources.

I would use the one listed for Sidings on Sidings and blocks.

For the Switches, I'm assuming those are momentary-off-momentary & spring loaded off, that is correct.

Not sure about wattage, but I expect that is enough watts for the switch machine.

Lighting, LEDs do not use much power, those switches can toggle LOTs of LEDs.

as far as the Uncouplers, the same switches you list for Sidings should work, but a Normally open push button might work better for you.

1/31/142:53 PM

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Susan DeatsOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

All the switches on this All Electronics "page" would work for everything except track.

The turnout switches only need 3 A. Lights 3-6 A. For uncoupling tracks use 6 A ratings. Here's an example of those miniature switch applications.