Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: hesamadman on August 25, 2015, 09:21:06 am

Title: What do you suppose the voltage rating is for this device?
Post by: hesamadman on August 25, 2015, 09:21:06 am

I have a 10 position rotary switch. Looks like a pot. I have made a couple tools for seeing what different values will do in my circuits. I wanted to make one with different caps. Now I could use this for bypass caps, bright caps, and anywhere the is not a lot of voltage id guess, but what about coupling caps? Even for a short period? My guess is it is not rated for 600v but I can not find info on it.

Title: Re: What do you suppose the voltage rating is for this device?
Post by: vibrolax on August 25, 2015, 05:58:12 pm

Did you intend to attach a picture?

If you intend to use it for preamp plate coupling caps, I don't think it would see 600V.  More in the range of 150V - 300V
It might matter a little if the switch is make-before-break (shorting), or make-after-break (non-shorting).  It would pop more if it were non-shorting.
If you're switching plates / cathodes from 12AX7's, it's not going to see much current.

I personally don't have any experience using rotary switches for switching plate coupling caps or resistors, but I used them for tone shaping networks after the coupling caps.
I am cautious about switching high voltage DC, but I wouldn't be afraid to try it in low current preamp applications.

Jon