Is this switch OK?

[Bobbo]

I have an inline switch made to put on a 16g extension cord that is rated for 6 amps 120 v AC (720 watts). Is that OK on a 10 amp 12 v DC wire (120 watts)?

[MEXICOWANDERER]

It used to be that AC switches that could also be used for DC were called "T" rated switches. The issue us when contact is broken under load. Arcing and burning of the contacts. I have a harbor freight ultra cheapo car tire compressor that uses a rotary switch like what I saw in your image. But the compressor draws far less power.

[diveman52]

RJsfishin wrote:
amps are amps, so 10 amps will probably warm up that 6 amp cord a little !

X2

[pugslyyy]

Wire is wire (either solid or stranded), you buy it by gauge.

AC and DC switches are very different and you should always use an AC switch for an AC circuit and a DC switch for a DC circuit.

[Bobbo]

OK, I have ordered this switch. It is rated at 12v 15a, which is what ShurFlo recommends for this pump. At $5.52 with free shipping on Amazon.com, it wasn't too bad.

http://shoreline-marinedevelopment.com/products-brasstoggleswitch

[Bobbo]

I bought a spare ShurFlo pump. It is rated as taking 7.5 amps but says to fuse its line at 10 amps.

I frequently use 5 gallon containers to refill my fresh water tank. I wired the pump with a connector that fits a 12v source I have, 16g wire, a 10 amp inline fuse, an inline switch, and garden hose fittings. I put one hose on and put it in my water container, and the other hose into my fresh water tank fill. Works great. I just wanted to be sure the switch was OK.

I will buy a different switch. Of course, it will run for no more than about 4 minutes at a time until I have to go back to the hydrant to refill them.

[KJINTF]

Beaware
DC specifications are different than AC specs

[Sea_scape]

beemerphile1 wrote:

RJsfishin wrote:
amps are amps, so 10 amps will probably warm up that 6 amp cord a little !

and there is no such thing as 10 amp wire. Wire is measured by gauge. A 16 gauge wire would be rated for 10 amps.

Maybe a description of intended use would help in answering your question.

Not quite true. Current rating depends upon gauge, material of wire, insulation characteristics, and cable construction.

[beemerphile1]

RJsfishin wrote:
amps are amps, so 10 amps will probably warm up that 6 amp cord a little !

and there is no such thing as 10 amp wire. Wire is measured by gauge. A 16 gauge wire would be rated for 10 amps.

Maybe a description of intended use would help in answering your question.

[Sea_scape]

Bobbo wrote:
I have an inline switch made to put on a 16g extension cord that is rated for 6 amps 120 v AC (720 watts). Is that OK on a 10 amp 12 v DC wire (120 watts)?

No. The switch will be able to interrupt 6A DC or less. Generally the DC interrupting rating is less than the ac. Some switches could be quite a bit less when used on DC.

Look for a switch that is rated for the DC current you want.

[RJsfishin]

amps are amps, so 10 amps will probably warm up that 6 amp cord a little !