Facebook
Google
GitHub
Linkedin
We have a DPDT ON-OFF-ON (1-0-2) Cam switch that manually transfers power from a solar/battery system or from a AC power supply. The switching is DC, set at 14.4V, around 35A max. Typical current loads are around 15A, but the system idle current seldom exceeds 5A. This is tested daily and I have noticed some contact wear as evidenced by having to slightly rock the switch sometimes to get full contact. These are older legacy systems but part of a system that works well and has been reliable.
The power is for UHF and VHF radios, low power task lighting (incandescent and LED) and satellite phones. I would guess radios are mostly inductive loads but I’m not sure.
The cam switch itself has only an AC rating (600V at 40A ) and no DC rating, which I figure might be part of the problem. The switch breaks both the positive and negative DC leads, I’m assuming to be able to isolate the equipment from any power source at all.
It’s been suggested that we install premade snubber circuits to help reduce any arcing since the system is always on. My question is:
Where would I install the snubbers? Would it be acceptable to install them just on the POS and NEG DC buss inside the same enclosure since all loads are DC? or install them on every active contact?
Thanks in advance!
Ken
The power is for UHF and VHF radios, low power task lighting (incandescent and LED) and satellite phones. I would guess radios are mostly inductive loads but I’m not sure.
The cam switch itself has only an AC rating (600V at 40A ) and no DC rating, which I figure might be part of the problem. The switch breaks both the positive and negative DC leads, I’m assuming to be able to isolate the equipment from any power source at all.
It’s been suggested that we install premade snubber circuits to help reduce any arcing since the system is always on. My question is:
Where would I install the snubbers? Would it be acceptable to install them just on the POS and NEG DC buss inside the same enclosure since all loads are DC? or install them on every active contact?
Thanks in advance!
Ken
