Main > Main Forum
Novamatrix power on/off switch?
csa3d:
Maybe this is a dumb question, but at least if it is, I've left a trail for others on the forum to find through searching.
Given that the NovaMatrix requires 12v. of power (black+yellow off of the power supply), if I wanted to wire an on/off switch in series, what do I need to look for in a switch? A voltage rating? I want to make sure I don't create a fire hazard nor burn out a switch not properly rated.
Thanks!
-csa
*Edit* Would one like this from RadioShack do the trick? Rated 10 amps at 125VAC or 250VAC.
BobA:
That switch will handle all the Novamatrix units you want to connect to it. Seriously you can connect at least 20 of them to it and still not exceed 10 amps. The voltage ratings are max so 12 VDC is fine.
csa3d:
Yeah, the novamatrix said it was rated at .4amps (400mA). So if I'm understanding this, the only thing which really matters is that the total amount of amps (which you get by adding together all the connected devices?) does not exceed the rating of the power switch itself?
This hobby.. always learning something!
Thanks
-csa
bfauska:
Well actually amps and volts must be considered together. .4 amps at 12volts is comparable to .04 amps at 120 volts, so a switch rated for 10 amps at 120 could theoretically control 250 Nova-Matrix lights running on 12volts.
THIS IS NOT TO IMPLY THAT YOU COULD HOOK UP 250 NOVA-MATRIX LIGHTS TO 120VAC AND HAVE IT WORK. Unless you used a bridge rectifier and wired them in series, I think. >:D
Pixelhugger:
I had that exact same question. Thanks for asking. :) I actually wanted to do a number of those to control various lighting effects and maybe fans too.