Larry Benko wrote:
I have used some toggle switches as RF switches in the HF range in the
past without problems but want to use one in a somewhat higher power
application. Toggle switches generally are only rated at voltages such
as 120VAC (50-60Hz assumed), 250VAC (50-60Hz again), or 30VDC. Looking
at the specs for vacuum relays show that a current derating of ~3X when
going from 60Hz to 30 MHz seems about average. Is there any reason why
a similar derating would not apply to a mechanical toggle switch. E.g.
would a miniture toggle switch rated at both 250VAC 2A and 120VAC 5A
handle 100W at 28MHz (50 ohm impedance assumed)? I was not going to do
any hot switching.

Something like that usually works for matched lines. Where I got into
trouble is trying to use toggle switches on ladder-line carrying an
SWR of 20:1. It fried an RS heavy duty toggle switch. You can avoid
such trouble by switching to knife switches with their wider spacings.
--
73, Cecil http://www.qsl.net/w5dxp

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