Need part vendor recommendations...

[VaporPhreak]

Ok folks, I'm looking to build myself a nice wood mod, and thought I'd use a nice presentable switch. However I am having a hard time finding what I'm looking for though I have seen similar switches used on several mods I've seen heren in the past. Essentially I want a fairly low profile, brass button, momentary switch that is rated to support 5v 3a. I'd prefer the rounded button stype, but at this point that is the lowest priority. I'm looking for brass purely to match the connector and external metal accesnts I have planned. Any recommendations folks?

 

[Killjoy1]

I've found these, but they're only rated 2A
PV1 series anti-vandal switch | Long life anti-vandal switch | www.e-switch.com
PV2 anti-vandal switches | water resistant vandal resistant | long life switch | www.e-switch.com

 

[CraigHB]

You're good with those. They're rated for 2A at 48V so they can handle a lot more than 2 Amps at 3.7 or 7.4V. Beautiful switches too.

 

[Sicarius]

You're good with those. They're rated for 2A at 48V so they can handle a lot more than 2 Amps at 3.7 or 7.4V. Beautiful switches too.

Switches aren't power rated they are current rated so 2A it is unfortunately.

They may be rated at 2A continuous at 48V (generates heat), but doubt this is the issue since every time the button is pushed it 'pulls' an arc and this eventually corrodes the contacts. This will happen due to the load make and load break currents and the higher the current the worse the arc ... hence the amp rating.

 

[CraigHB]

Switches are power rated. Often, specs are given as current at a specific voltage, but more properly, it's given in terms of VA or volt-amps. There's a huge difference between an arc at 3.7V and an arc at 48V. It's the power that burns the contacts, not just the current.

There's two things going on. First is the gauge of the contacts which limits maximum current regardless of voltage. Second is the surface area of the contacts. That determines the voltage the contacts can tolerate without failing. Generally, all of that is covered in giving a switch its rating in volt-amps.

 

[VaporPhreak]

Killjoy those are EXACTLY what I was looking for aesthetically! I will gladly try them even though they are only rated 2A. Worse case scenario, I burn it up and have to get a new switch. Heck I'll likely buy multiple anyway just because they are so nice looking. Going for a seriously steampunk look to this mod and I think this will be a perfect fit.

 

[DaveP]

You might also check out the parts at Welcome to MadVapes LLC. The also sell kits and discrete parts for mods. The selection is good, IMO.

In low voltage applications, wetted contacts are good, even if it's just a touch of Noalox or silicone to reduce the air at the contacts and the oxidation that results. I prefer using a switch to pulse and activate an electronic switching device, personally.

 

[Killjoy1]

If you try them, VaporPhreak, be sure to let me know how they are (feel, actuation, etc) I've been considering one of the illuminated ones for a future mod and I love the look of those brass ones, too . . . but to get to a future mod I first need to finish the one I already started a while back

 

[alekos557]

check with the guy who makes the monkey box- themonkeyboxx.com

 

[Sicarius]

Switches are power rated. Often, specs are given as current at a specific voltage, but more properly, it's given in terms of VA or volt-amps. There's a huge difference between an arc at 3.7V and an arc at 48V. It's the power that burns the contacts, not just the current.

There's two things going on. First is the gauge of the contacts which limits maximum current regardless of voltage. Second is the surface area of the contacts. That determines the voltage the contacts can tolerate without failing. Generally, all of that is covered in giving a switch its rating in volt-amps.

Let me know when the contacts weld together

Your explanation is interesting albeit not entirely accurate. I find it difficult however to argue your logic, but not wanting to hijack a thread I will gladly explain the purpose of the ratings elsewhere.

@ OP - As Craig has said the switches will tolerate a current higher than the 2A specified, but at the expense of a shorter lifespan. Instead of 50000 switch operations you may get say 25000. Be warned however that if the contacts do fuse together the atomizer will be perma on until it burns out.