question from noobie about main switch

[squirrel64]

Hey Guys,,,
I'm trying to order a few things to build my first mod. Gonna be similar to a puck but the box I'm getting doesn't have a main on off switch. First I will be using 4xAAA setup with just one led and some type of horn button. Is the main on off switch necessary? And what would be a minimum amp/volt rating I would need ? And one last question, without getting crazy can you go too high of amp/volt rating for this. I ask because I was looking at this switch R13-608A1-02-BB9 Shin Chin Slide Switches
I used to be a high voltage lineman and can build a 500 mile power line but never worked much with electronics so any help would be appreciated

 

[humpty]

..I ask because I was looking at this switch..

It says "16 Amps at 125 Volts". I don't think you'll ever get to those limits, your throat would become the fuse if you did.

 

[Java_Az]

Yeah thats for sure over kill on the power switch. Really only problem i see with it, is it is pretty big about 1 1/2 inches long little less then a inch wide. Then you have the space inside taken up. This is the one switch where i dont worry about overkill on the specs because there should be no load on the switch when it is turned on or off. There would be alot more wear on the contacts if this was switched while the atomizer was in use. Personally i would go as low as a 2amp switch for a power switch and thats might be a bit on the high side since there would be no load while switching. You can get them pretty small also around a 1/2 inch square so about 1/3 the size of the switch your looking at. But you can for sure use the switch you posted if you have the space in your mod to slap it in.

 

[squirrel64]

hey thanks Java, I figured that much but I just thought it looked good. But you're right, I didn't realize it was that big. My bad for not looking closer. Gonna look for something smaller

 

[WillyB]

If you are looking for a kill switch these should work.

2-Pack 3-Amp SPDT Sub-Mini Slide Switch - RadioShack.com

The flimsy ones that come on plastic boxes are always a source of eventual problems.

Get into the habit of loosening your atty a few turns when not being used.

 

[squirrel64]

Thanks WillyB,, And thanks to all you guys that help us noobs out. Great forum