Technical 6 volt/12 volt question

I know you are not supposed to run six volt stuff like gauges, switches and lights on 12 volts, but can you use a 12 volt headlight switch in a 6 volt system?

 

It will work, but 6 volt switches are have larger contacts that 12 volt switches. It may heat up.






Bones

 

I thought 6 volt stuff was built beefier to handle more current. Not saying you're wrong, just that this is opposite to what I would expect. The cables are larger, that's a good thing. Why not the switches?

 

12 volt electrical components draw half the current of 6 volt components...

 

You need to reread the question, the poster is asking about using a 12 volt switch on a 6 volt system. I don't think I would do it.

Charlie Stephens

 

Truck64, reread my post, I said six volt switches had larger contacts, thus “ beefier” . And a 12 volt switch may heat up on a 6 volt system. Maybe I should have said 12 volt switches have smaller contacts than 6 volt switches. Lol






Bones

 

If you have any doubt about the contact rating of the 12 volt switch, you can still use it with a relay.

 

I must be slysdexic! Never mind...

 

Good information here: https://watsons-streetworks.com/a-current-topic/

 

Thanks for the replies. If a 6 volt switch is beefier would it be better to use than a 12 volt? I currently have a 39 Pontiac with a six volt system and I am thinking about changing to a 12 volt system somewhere down the line.

 

Yes keep the switch and the starter. Six volt starters love 12 volts, as long as you don’t grind on the for an extended time. Heater motor??? Might be ok. Wiring will be fine. Gauges won’t work. Turn signals will need a 12 volt blinker. Bulbs will need to be 12 volt.....and probably some other things.

Edit: radio won’t work.




Bones

 

That depends. What 12v switch is it?

late 50s GM light switches have a couple built in circuit breakers...if you double the current, they might or might not open when they shouldn't.

The contacts in any switch are designed for a certain amount of current, plus a safety factor. You don't know what the design spec is for any headlight switch, really...except that it was designed to last in it's original application. Could it be that it was designed with a safety factor of 10? or 4? or 2? or 1.5?

 

Again, thanks for the replies. I think I will wait until I decide whether I am going to convert to a 12 volt system before I buy any electrical.