? About Tact Switches

[500KV]

I wondered about the current rating of some of the smaller tact switches some have used on their mods.
I noticed the current rating on some is 50ma and just wondered how they are holding up.
My old 801 atomizers draw ~1 to 2 amps so I went with the larger 3amp switch.
I would rather use the smaller tact switches, they make a neater job, but was a little hesitant because of the current rating.
Could someone please relate your experience with them?

Thanks

 

[Nuck]

I was wondering about that as well. I've stuck with 3 amp until I know the tactile switches will hold up.

 

[dedmonwakin]

I was wondering about that as well. I've stuck with 3 amp until I know the tactile switches will hold up.

I use a tact switch rated a 50 mA and I've had no problems. Although I only use the switch to break the ground. Not sure if this makes a difference?

 

[kinabaloo]

The fact that the current is only running occasonally is why most peple have found no problem with them.

 

[500KV]

The fact that the current is only running occasonally is why most peple have found no problem with them.

I believe momentary switches are rated with that in mind.
Anyway I just wondered about 3 or 4 times the switch rating.
Think I'll try one and see.

 

[Nuck]

I believe momentary switches are rated with that in mind.
Anyway I just wondered about 3 or 4 times the switch rating.
Think I'll try one and see.

It's actually about 30 times the rated load.

 

[CaSHMeRe]

.05a (50mA) @ 12v is more than enough

 

[CaSHMeRe]

and you will want something with atleast a 150-200gf operating force. Anything under, pressure will be quite week, and give out much quicker than something sturdier.

 

[500KV]

It's actually about 30 times the rated load.

Yeah Nuck. I was sitting here looking at the .3 and .5 amp switches when I typed that.

Thanks for the info Cash.

 

[Sumratio]

.05a (50mA) @ 12v is more than enough

Really?? I was thinking about using a mosfet to handle the current with a tact switch but if not need would be a lot easier. they are cheap going to just try it, maybe figure out a way to socket the switch for easy replacement. Of course this may not be necessary if Puresmoker comes out with their manual M401 passthrough

 

[Sun Vaporer]

I wondered about the current rating of some of the smaller tact switches some have used on their mods.
I noticed the current rating on some is 50ma and just wondered how they are holding up.
My old 801 atomizers draw ~1 to 2 amps so I went with the larger 3amp switch.
I would rather use the smaller tact switches, they make a neater job, but was a little hesitant because of the current rating.
Could someone please relate your experience with them?

Thanks

500KV--this has been a long standing issue here on the forum for as long as I can remember--I first ued the .5.amp momentary switches without any real issues on the 801 atomizers--but then I went to the 3 amp--I like the 3 amp much better only do to the fact that it is much more durable and will hold up longer---much easier to solider and mount also---Sun

 

[500KV]

500KV--this has been a long standing issue here on the forum for as long as I can remember--I first ued the .5.amp momentary switches without any real issues on the 801 atomizers--but then I went to the 3 amp--I like the 3 amp much better only do to the fact that it is much more durable and will hold up longer---much easier to solider and mount also---Sun

Yeah Sun. I haven't been here that long and hadn't seen the issue discussed.
I had been tempted to try the smaller switches but stuck with the 1.5--3 amp.
They certainly are easier to solder and mount, at least for me.
DC voltages/currents can cause some serious contact wear as well.

 

[ceo51378]

I've been using 50ma tact switches in all of my mods - running anywhere from 3.7 - 6v through them with absolutely no problems whatsoever.

 

[planetofthevapes]

Ok, there was one poster who stated that they made a box mod and started using it and it got extremely hot and there was a flash and the switch melted. They had stolen a tactile switch off of some old device (so of course didn't know what it's rating was). The thought was that it must not have been good enough to handle the current running through it. However, it is something to remember (it could have been a short too though, I don't know if that was looked into or not).

What do you mean you use the tactile switch to ground it? You mean, you are using the switch on the negative lead rather than the positive? I've always wondered if that would ensure safe tactile switch use.

 

[500KV]

What do you mean you use the tactile switch to ground it? You mean, you are using the switch on the negative lead rather than the positive? I've always wondered if that would ensure safe tactile switch use.

No potv. It wouldn't matter which side (pos./neg.) of the battery it was on; same current. It could have just been a bad switch.
Thanks ceo; the proof's in the using I guess.

 

[nicowolf]

I used a switch rated 50mA @12v for my first NicoStick mod. It did not fry or anything, it just wore out. When I simply press the button, it doesn't work. I have to push the button in and then to one side or another. I have not had such issues with other switches.

 

[Fox3]

I've been using 50ma tact switches in all of my mods - running anywhere from 3.7 - 6v through them with absolutely no problems whatsoever.

Same here, recovered them from scrap PCBs and looked them up and was concerned about the 30-50mA rating, but the ones I have put together are still going fine 2-3 months later.

 

[500KV]

I used a switch rated 50mA @12v for my first NicoStick mod. It did not fry or anything, it just wore out. When I simply press the button, it doesn't work. I have to push the button in and then to one side or another. I have not had such issues with other switches.

Thanks nico.
I knew you had done several mods and wondered what your experience had been.
Sounds like the general consensus is favorable.
I had some of both types and after looking at the 801 current draw just decided to go with the higher rated switch. I'm big on overkill I guess.

Good news Fox3.

 

[ApOsTle51]

this is the switch i used for my 2nd nicostick

Tactile Switches > Maplin

been running for the last week or two , no probs..works lovely..

 

[500KV]

Good looking mod. Apostle.
And I see your switch is rated 50mA as well.