Register now to get rid of these ads!

How to tell if switch is 6 or 12 volt?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by HotRod_Joe, Jan 20, 2009.

  1. HotRod_Joe
    Joined: Dec 23, 2007
    Posts: 252

    HotRod_Joe

    I bought an old aftermarket light switch on e-Bay for a few dollars. Mostly because it was new, cheap, and looked good. However, I completely over looked the fact that it didn't say if it was 6 or 12 volt. If I had to estimate how old it was, I'd probably say 1950's or early 1960's because the address of the manufacturer has a postal zone number rather than a zip code. If anyone may know anything about the manufacturer, the light switch is made by Joseph Pollak Corp. and the part number is 1605.
     
  2. AnimalAin
    Joined: Jul 20, 2002
    Posts: 3,416

    AnimalAin
    Member

    Switches are rated for maximum amperage; voltage doesn't matter.
     
  3. lakeroadster
    Joined: Nov 6, 2008
    Posts: 604

    lakeroadster
    Member
    from *

    The switch won't care what the voltage is. As long as it is rated for the correct amperage you should be good to go.
     
  4. HotRod_Joe
    Joined: Dec 23, 2007
    Posts: 252

    HotRod_Joe

    Alright then, how can you tell what the switch will handle?
     

  5. junkyardjeff
    Joined: Jul 23, 2005
    Posts: 8,588

    junkyardjeff
    Member

    I am using all the original switches on my 37 chevy p/u and 55 ford with 12 volts and no problems yet. Jeff
     
  6. dabirdguy
    Joined: Jun 23, 2005
    Posts: 2,404

    dabirdguy
    Member Emeritus

    12V SHOULD be less current than the old 6 Volt systems, so if its an older switch it should be good to go.
     
  7. AnimalAin
    Joined: Jul 20, 2002
    Posts: 3,416

    AnimalAin
    Member

    If it is originally designed for a 6V system, it will work fine (12V systems typically have less amperage). If it was originally designed for 12V, it should work fine on that voltage, but might (key word might) be marginal for use with a 6V system. In either case, make sure you don't have too many killer (modern) lights hooked up to it; those super bright bulbs use some power.
     
  8. HotRod_Joe
    Joined: Dec 23, 2007
    Posts: 252

    HotRod_Joe

    Alright, thanks for the help folks.
     
  9. Ohms Law
    I=V/R

    I= Amps

    V= Volts

    R= resistance
    If you know any two values you can find the unknown. Don't want to come across as a know it all but As said above 6 volt systems draw more amperage because they use less voltage (pressure) to do the job.
    How you figure out what the circuts resistance is, Volts times amps = Watts. So a ten amp 12 volt circut or switch will run two 600 wat headlamps.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2009

  10. Wouldn't worry about it. It's amperage that matters. If it was designed for a 6v system it will hold up to a 12v system no trouble.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.