I'm looking for a switch. It allows us to switch from the front AC to the rear AC. We only have a 30 amp service so can only use one ac at a time. switch is broken off

Thanks

Jim, There should me a manufacturer and/or a model number on the switch body somwhere.... Maybe you could use that number at an electrical wholesale house to match it up to something current? Good luck!!!

You have another Barth full power switch unit that routes full amperage to each unit. This is the time to install a power relay and low amp switch. If you go to a wholesale electrical supply house you can get a unit that will work without the problems of high amperage (and the heat and losses the switch carried). Your a/c probably carries 30 amps at start up and 8 to 10 while running. The unit nameplate will tell you the load range. Any residential electrician will have the tools and knowledge to make this change for you, or tell you how to install it.

The switch is a 'Kraus & Naimer B17. Tom, since I know less than nothing about electricity, maybe you could explain to me what a 'power relay' is. And what do you mean by a Barth 'full power' switch? Is this something that Barth did a lot that needs to be upgraded? The existing switch has about 6 different wires going to it.
Jim

Kraus & Naimer Inc.

760 New Brunswick Road
Somerset, NJ 08873

Phone: 732-560-1240
Fax: 732-560-8823

E-Mail: salesUSA@krausnaimer.com
Website: www.krausnaimer.us

Jim, a full power switch is one that switches the full load through its contacts. A power relay is one rated to carry the heavy startup current of a motor. By using a power relay you shift the current and associated heat to the relay contacts instead of the switch. This is similar to the typical headlight circuit that works better and saves wear when a relay is installed.

Jim Thanks for the info! I am a real klutz, where can I find that switch?
Thanks;
Lou

quote:

Originally posted by Tom K:
You have another Barth full power switch unit that routes full amperage to each unit. This is the time to install a power relay and low amp switch. If you go to a wholesale electrical supply house you can get a unit that will work without the problems of high amperage (and the heat and losses the switch carried). Your a/c probably carries 30 amps at start up and 8 to 10 while running. The unit nameplate will tell you the load range. Any residential electrician will have the tools and knowledge to make this change for you, or tell you how to install it.

Tom,
Called Kraus & Naimer. To replace switch is going to set me back $232.94. Or should I say would set someone back $232.94+. I think I am going toward the power relay & low amp switch. I wonder how much this cost Barth back in the day? Going to an electrical motor company to see if they can fix me up w/the relay & low amp switch. Will let you know.

Tere

A 30A relay (double-pole double throw) and socket should cost around $50-60. This relay would power one A/C when the coil is relaxed and the other when energized.

A household light switch can be used to energize the relay. Should it fail, the socket makes the relay easy to replace.

OK, Being a frugal New Englander, how about putting in a 20 amp outlet and two twenty amp appliance plug/cords from the air conditioners at that same box the switch was in, and just plug in the one you want to work at that time, cost about 20 bucks.

Here are pics of wiring of switch. How do I do what you guys are talking about? I need details of what to do with each wire & where I should put them & what switches go where etc. I need the big red markers to guide me through the process. Just ask BillNY he walked me through rewiring starter, battery, & much more. He had to hold my hand through it but I'm a good listener if you don't mind the questions.
Thanks,
Tere

FYI the switch is good but the toggle is shot.

switch:



Total of 4 wires going to switch:

wire #1-Gen, #2-110 box:

#2-110 box, Wire #3-rear A/C:

wire #4 to switch box-front A/C:

looking down on switch from back: box

110 panel:

info on 110 panel:

inside panel box:

Not the best way, but you could tie the circuit together and make sure you only use one unit at a time. You would be relying on your circut breaker to trip if both are turned on.

Doorman.

quote:

Originally posted by Doorman:
Not the best way, but you could tie the circuit together and make sure you only use one unit at a time. You would be relying on your circut breaker to trip if both are turned on.

Doorman.

Can I still use this switch? If so how do I wire it? I'm attaching pics of switch & a rough drawing of how it was wired.
thanks,
Tere

1/4 turn to right-rear A/C, 1/4 turn to left-front A/C-period!!

I can continue to use switch until my nub wears off.

Better pic of my now $232 switch.



Tere

Jim, not having this switch I did not realize that this switch lets you run 1 AC off shore and other off gen. at same time. If switch works I would reinstall. Cheap fix 2 20a pigtales and 20a recptical(seperate outlets).

Doorman

I'm keeping the switch as is. I will come back to tech talk when I need to have someone build a new knob when the "nub" finally gives out. I can run them both with gen on if worse comes to worse. Thanks for all your input.
Tere