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vvoni
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Join Date: Oct 2017
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Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/08/2017 3:37 PM

Is it possible to use a 230 Vac switch in a 120 Vac electric instalation?

I have to contacts, phase 120 Vac and neutral but my switch is prepare for 230 Vac or 24 Vcc.
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SolarEagle
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#1

Re: Switch 230 Vac used to 120 Vac

12/08/2017 3:46 PM

A 230v switch here in the US is usually a 2 line with 120v on each leg....now it can be a double pole switch in which case you just need to wire it correctly and check to make sure the switch is rated at the amperage you intend to draw....

What is your configuration?

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lyn
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#2

Re: Switch 230 Vac used to 120 Vac

12/08/2017 3:49 PM

Sure, if you know what you are doing.

Electricity 101: Basic Fundamentals | Industrial Controls

120 / 240 vac single split phase & multi-wire branch ... - Samlex America
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redfred
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#3

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/08/2017 11:45 PM

Not only is it possible but it is a good practice to overrate (a little) a component for its task. However, there are additional concerns in selecting a proper switch for a task than just the voltage it will handle to making sure it doesn't prematurely fail in a bad way.

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horace40
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#4

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/09/2017 8:20 AM

Running at half the voltage is OK. ..... but it does not mean you can double the current.

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Kevin LaPaire
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#16
In reply to #4

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/11/2017 11:59 AM

Indeed. All electrical things have ratings for both voltage and amperage. Neither should be exceeded.

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tonyhemet
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#5

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/09/2017 11:42 AM

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StandardsGuy
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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/09/2017 12:23 PM

A link would be more appropriate, as the text is too small to read as presented.

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tonyhemet
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#9
In reply to #6

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/09/2017 5:39 PM

Then you need a smaller screen or a larger magnifying glass.
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lyn
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#10
In reply to #9

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/09/2017 5:55 PM

For the record, I've never been able to read anything you have posted in that format.
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Bazzer Englander
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#7

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/09/2017 12:56 PM

YES

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garth
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#8

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/09/2017 4:57 PM

Yes providing the current rating is the same or better.

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Bazzer Englander
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#11

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/10/2017 6:30 AM

What are you switching?

Bazzer

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PWSlack
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#12

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/11/2017 3:22 AM

It is <...possible...> that the current flowing through the switch in the closed position exceeds the rating of the switch, which is a portent for premature failure.

Just because something is <...possible...> doesn't mean that it is the correct thing to do.

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redfred
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#13
In reply to #12

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/11/2017 9:11 AM

One can also have a problem of too small of a current for switch contacts to reliably connect. Most switches today have wiping contacts to avoid this contact oxidation problem. This problem occurs more often when the switched voltage is considerably smaller than the switch voltage rating, switching a 5V LED indicator with a 220 V switch.

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PWSlack
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#14
In reply to #13

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/11/2017 9:17 AM

Quite. See #11⇑.

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horace40
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#15
In reply to #13

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

12/11/2017 10:23 AM

This problem occurs more often when the switched voltage is considerably smaller than the switch voltage rating, switching a 5V LED indicator with a 220 V switch.

That's worth noting. It probably explains why the LED over my bed, with the switch in the LV wire, has a hint of occasional hardly noticeable flickering, but all the same irritating when it does.

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hoo8975
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#17
In reply to #13

Re: Switch 230 Vac Used to 120 Vac

01/16/2018 12:10 PM

This is usually a problem with low current. A switch (or relay contact) rated for 10 amp used in an application with low current (like a signal or logic state) often fails prematurely for this reason.

Generally the rating on a switch is the maximum. A 220 volt switch can be used at any voltage below 220 volts (120 volt, 24 volt, 6volt) bot not above. It probably has a maximum current rating also. Also AC/DC. A 220 volt AC switch can not (usually) be used for 100 volt DC.
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Users who posted comments:

Bazzer Englander (2); garth (1); hoo8975 (1); horace40 (2); Kevin LaPaire (1); lyn (2); PWSlack (2); redfred (2); SolarEagle (1); StandardsGuy (1); tonyhemet (2)

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