Disclaimer: Haven’t had time to go to the supply house, but 2 trips to the big stores and a little googling turned up nada.
Anyone ever come across a 20A 3-way lighted toggle switch (white if possible)? I thought this might be tough to find, but it’s looking pretty bad about now.
Why 20A? I’m wondering the same thing. I’m extending an existing circuit with exactly 4 lights on it and it’s 20A. Why, I don’t know, but I thought it would make the most sense to stick with it.
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Replies
I take it you have at least one source for a 15A, white, 3-way, lighted, toggle switch?
Not 100% sure but I think you can use a 15A switch in a 20A line - I know you can use a 15 or 20 duplex in a 20A line (#12 wire, 20A breaker).
DISCLAIMER: Switch rules may be different since the full rated current (potentially) passes through the switch rather than "feeding through" the device.
If you only have 4 lights on the circuit, I don't think you will overload it - might not be legal though - 'course you didn't say how big those lights are.
Option #2: "downrate" the entire circuit to 15A - change out the breaker from a 20A to a 15A. I would tag the breaker with an explanation if I did this option.
Others more qualified on code compliance will weigh in soon!
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Edited 10/9/2007 5:42 pm ET by JTC1
Yeah, the 15a lighted switches are pretty easy to find. Edlee said what you said - 15a switch on a 20a circuit. I had thought about downgrading as you described, but the work I've done so far has been for 20a. Seems like wasted money (not much, but, hey).
You mean a switch that's lit when it's off? That's called an "indicator". A switch that's lit when it's on is called a "pilot". Any electrical supplier should have what you want......ivory-colored anyway.
But you don't need it by code....15a switch on 20a circuit is allowed in the situation you describe.
Ed
Interesting....yes, I'm looking for the indicator. Would you happen to know the reasoning for allowing a 15a switch on a 20a circuit?
The switch has to be rated for the load.If you change the load it is easy to change the switch.However, it is not easy to change the wiring.So the wiring has to be matched to the breaker size..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
So if I understand this right, I calculate the lighting load at about 7A, I can have a 15A switch on a 20A circuit?
Yes
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Not sure what style of switch you want, but here you go.
Leviton 5633-2W
You can see it here at the Leviton website:
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=3041§ion=10039
Leviton also has other styles and models.
Edited 10/10/2007 3:50 am by Kgmz
Leviton also makes it in the toggle variety, 20 amp 120/277v spec. grade. We have several of them with a red toggle/light version for the under floor lights in our Data Center.
Dave
Sweet! I was also able to find the toggle switch mentioned. I searched their site yesterday and came up with nothing. Maybe the internets work better in the morning.... Thanks!
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?a=b&item=10077