I was wondering something about XPST switches, where X > 1. THe current ratings on these things, is it for the overall current running through the switch? Or is it for the current in each pole? And is it limited by the individual pole or the heat dissipation of the entire switch?
The reason I ask is I am planning to get a 3PST 30A switch that is to control two 15A motor lines and one low current logic power line. If the current is limited by the pole, this effectively means I lose 1/3 of the current carrying capacity because the unused current capacity from the low current logic pole cannot be "given" to the two motor poles. If it is limited by the entire switch then the current on the two power poles can be increased since they can "tale" the unused current capacity from the logic pole.
Basically, if I take a 3PST switch, and only use two of the poles, is the current capacity reduced?
The reason I ask is I am planning to get a 3PST 30A switch that is to control two 15A motor lines and one low current logic power line. If the current is limited by the pole, this effectively means I lose 1/3 of the current carrying capacity because the unused current capacity from the low current logic pole cannot be "given" to the two motor poles. If it is limited by the entire switch then the current on the two power poles can be increased since they can "tale" the unused current capacity from the logic pole.
Basically, if I take a 3PST switch, and only use two of the poles, is the current capacity reduced?
Last edited: