What Type of Switch Can I Use?

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ronseto Guru Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancleave, Ms about 30 miles inland from Biloxi and the coast Posts: 3197 Good Answers: 106	What Type of Switch Can I Use? 02/09/2013 7:22 PM
	I want to switch a 115 VAC, 1-1/2 HP motor on a 20 amp circuit. What type of switch can I use? Can the common wall switch used for lighting be used? __________________ Mr.Ron from South Ms.
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Tank Circuit Power-User Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 193 Good Answers: 3	#1 Re: What type of swirch can I use? 02/09/2013 7:35 PM
	You could use a relay and then switch the relay with any switch at low voltages/currents.
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RAMConsult Guru Join Date: May 2007 Location: NYC metropolitan area. Posts: 3230 Good Answers: 444	#2 Re: What type of swirch can I use? 02/09/2013 8:01 PM
	A common wall switch is only rated for 1/2 HP motor starting. You have to use a motor starting rated 30 Amp switch which is rated for 2 HP. You can buy one at your local electrical supply house. __________________ “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Ben Franklin.
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kvsridhar Guru Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Temporarily at Ashburn, VA Posts: 2744 Good Answers: 164	#3 Re: What type of swirch can I use? 02/09/2013 8:57 PM
	At 1.5HP, i would use a regular motor starter which has inbuilt thermal protection, and, maybe, some sort of short-circuit protection too. A switch is not quite the ideal switching device for a motor in my opinion. __________________ Nothing worthwhile can ever be taught, it can only be learnt.
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SolarEagle Guru Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: by the beach in Florida Posts: 33392 Good Answers: 1817	#4 Re: What type of swirch can I use? 02/09/2013 9:38 PM
	We used to use these motor controller switches.... __________________ All living things seek to control their own destiny....this is the purpose of life
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tcmtech Guru Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: South of Minot North Dakota Posts: 8376 Good Answers: 775	#5 Re: What type of swirch can I use? 02/09/2013 9:42 PM
	I use a standard commercial 20 amp rated switch for the 1 HP motor on my band saw and it has lasted for many years without problems. If you need heavier than that you can buy the power switch for a Miller welder through your local welding supply shop or online. They fit in the same space as a normal heavy duty light switch but with a heavier toggle and come in two or three pole designs with a 30 - 50 amp rating depending on what switch you want. For one of those it may set you back $30 - $50 but I can guarantee that it will outlast you!
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ronseto Guru Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancleave, Ms about 30 miles inland from Biloxi and the coast Posts: 3197 Good Answers: 106	#6 Re: What Type of Switch Can I Use? 02/11/2013 5:14 PM
	Thank you all. __________________ Mr.Ron from South Ms.
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