Mechanical switch ratings
 

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.

73, Larry W0QE

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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