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HF-1600 Block Heater micro switch Post New Topic | Post Reply

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Posted: Oct 07, 2008 09:21 PM
HF-1600 Block Heater micro switch
Does anyone know what the amperage rating should be for the micro switch on the block heater of a HF-1600 unit?

The old switch that I took off is labled for 25 amps, which are very hard to find..(special order). I can find 20amp switches everywhere. Just wondering if anyone has tried a 20amp switch and did it work. The manual does not give this information.

Thanks,
Brad
Northern Spray Foam
Linerman
Posted: Oct 08, 2008 05:53 PM
Check with a company like GRAINGER they might have them. I wouldn't use a 20amp if the original was a 25amp unless you want to constantly have to replace the switch or worse damage some other costly and hard to get component. I had to replace mine got it from grainger for $50 they didn't have a 25amp either so I just got their 35amp.
painter213

www.specialty-products.com

Benny Abbott

Phone: 205-717-0292

NACE Level III #7953

SSPC PCS # 2014-529-139

SSPC CCI Level II #64351


Posted: Oct 08, 2008 08:10 PM
I am in no way a electrician or want to be one. But, would't you be safer with a 20 amp instead of a 35 amp? With the 35 amp you will be allowing 10 more amps through the circut than is suggested. This could lead to frying some other componets. With the 20 amp, it would trip out without any damage to the machine. You might have to reset or replace more often, but this would be better than taking a risk of damaging more electrical equipment. Anyone else with a comment. This is the way I see it. But then again, I'm just a painter. Hope this helps.

Benny Abbott

Abbott Consulting and Coating Inspections
NACE Certified Coatings Inspector #7953
205-717-0292
SPRAYFOAM GODDESS
Posted: Oct 09, 2008 08:04 AM
Let me throw this out there....How about buying one from a Graco distributor? I don't have my parts id handy, but I believe this is still available. There is a thermal limit switch, and a switch in the thermostat. I do believe both are still available.
clint moore
Posted: Oct 09, 2008 12:46 PM
Brad,Try calling Intech Equipment,1-888-920-1313,They specialize in hard to find componants and probably have this in stock or a used one that you can buy cheaper than new.
Linerman
Posted: Oct 09, 2008 08:26 PM
painter213

Having a 35amp breaker would safer because of the higher amp loadage it can handle. With a 20amp it's more susceptible to shorting out thus causing something else to short out. It would be like putting a 5amp fuse in place of a 15amp fuse for your vehicle.

I'm no electrician either but have a pretty good understanding on some of it.
painter213

www.specialty-products.com

Benny Abbott

Phone: 205-717-0292

NACE Level III #7953

SSPC PCS # 2014-529-139

SSPC CCI Level II #64351


Posted: Oct 09, 2008 09:05 PM
After I re-read the first post, I seen that it was a switch, not a breaker. There you can go up in amperage rating. On a breaker or fuse you would not due to the fact with a breaker or fuse you are protecting a circut from excessive amp loading. If you allow to much amps to pass, you heat up the circut and fry something. By under sizing the circut by a smaller fuse or breaker, you will just burn out the fuse or trip the breaker sooner. In this case you will just have to reset or place a fuse more often. Sorry for not reading the first post twice first time around.

Sincerely,

Benny Abbott

Abbott Consulting and Coating Inspections
NACE Certified Coatings Inspector #7953
205-717-0292

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