Question about toggle switch

[prsnlart]

I apologize for the question, but I'm not sure who else to ask. I am trying to build a lamp and the best looking toggle switch I keep finding is for guitars. Is it possible to use this for a on off switch for a lamp? And how would I wire it (where would the hot wire go). I would appreciate any information. Thank you.

 

[PipeRain]

Re: Question about toggle switch

While I have dabbled with 120v wiring (I've wired up a couple production greenhouses for my wife's orchid raising passion and added a couple circuits to the house) I am by no means an electrician. That said, my initial concern would be that the switch is not rated for the amperage that would flow though it. Depending on the age of your house and the breaker panel in it, it could be seeing as much as 20 amps and that's an awful lot of sauce for a switch like that I would fear.

As for the actual wiring, it might be able to be done but I'd have to think on it a bit. In an AC circuit a SPST switch usually is just a "break" in the hot (Commonly black) wire and the common (Usually white) is wired around the switch itself. How you would simulate that with a switch like that would require some crafty wiring.

Again however, I am not an electrician and I could be wildly wrong. Still and all, I would make sure that switch is rated for a minimum of 120V and 20A.

 

[BriGuy1968]

Question about toggle switch

I think I'd shy away from it. Besides agreeing with PipeRain about the amount of juice it will handle, the ground of a guitar toggle like that is probably connected to the metal casing of the switch itself, which is exposed on the top. In a passive system like a guitar it's no big deal, but with 120v AC current I think you're asking for injury and a fire hazard.

Take your picture to a local electric supply company... not a retail place, but the kind of place at which an electrician would get his supplies. If they don't have something I'd be willing to bet that they could point you in the right direction.


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[thebingopete]

Re: Question about toggle switch

It's not made for AC current at all. Do not use. Both of the previous comments are correct and that equals a big fat no.

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[prsnlart]

Re: Question about toggle switch

Thank you all so much for answering my question. I'll have to keep looking for a brass SPST toggle. I really appreciate everyone's answer and knowledge.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Question about toggle switch

Depending on if that's a real Switchcraft, it actually IS rated for A.C. or D.C. and up to 3A and 300W. (That's not a "guitar" switch, it's a switch that the guitar industry has spec'ed off the shelf to use)

I agree with going to a good electrical supply house though, then you have the catalog with the data sheet of the item you are actually going to buy.

 

[thebingopete]

Re: Question about toggle switch

I stand corrected about it's design. I question whether it's much use as an on off switch. Perhaps for a 3way bulb but I'm not sure how that works so I may be just plain wrong.

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