What Amps for a lawnmower switch

[Jim]

Hi guys

I need to change the switch on my lawnmower, the current one was a 'deadmans lever type' affair but has always been a bit temperamental (slightest release of pressure and it cuts out) and it has finally packed up altogether. Ideally I'm going to go for a simple inline on/off switch but the highest amp one I can find is rated at 6A, will this be enough to use on the lawnmower which I think has a 1400W motor ?

Thanks

Jim

ps I know an on/off switch is not the safest option but I think I'm sensible enough to make sure my fingers are nowhere near the blades whilst the power is attached

[R]

1400w divided by around 220v = 6.36 amps Might be close.

Look at the RS catalogue online and look for a large "microswitch" unit with a long spring operated switch that you can fix to the handle to allow the deadmans handle effect. See

[meow2222]

But since motors have below 1 power factor, real current will be above this. When you find an adequately rated switch, an RC snubber across it will help it survive longer.

Look at the RS catalogue online and look for a large "microswitch" unit with

microswitch.

NT

[Harry Bloomfield]

R brought next idea :

pure resistive load - look for a 15amp rated one.

[John Rumm]

I thought momentary contact meant just that - it only closes for a short duration on each activation. Not what you want on a mower.

[John Rumm]

Might be worth looking to see what type of motor the mower has. Newer ones are often induction motors, whereas many older ones will be universal motors and hence will not have much reactive component to their load.

[meow2222]

Momentary effectively means sprung, when you let go it'll switch off. Good idea ona mower. I dont think I've seen any that only switch over briefly if you hold them down.

NT

[John Rumm]

Depending on your catalogue of choice, "Push to Make" is an alternative description for that sort of action.

[The Natural Philosopher]

Multiply by ten for switch on surge.

[meow2222]

then divide by ten for the switches ability to cope wirth that. Thats about right :)

NT