silly question about standby switch

[vince76]

I'm a little confused because I need a standby switch on a 500V DC and I never found ratings in the sites when I search for switches. I understand that the question is avoid arching. Most of the switch I can found are rated 5A @ 250V AC. I own an on-off switch 5A@250VAC and the poles are 5mm apart.
Is it suitable to break my 500V?
Please stop me before I destroy my amp

V.

[vince76]

On Circuits - Standby Switch Ratings
it says that "In standby switch applications (not necessarily in other DC switching applications), you can generally count on the switch being able to
handle DC voltage to at least twice the rated AC voltage."

Coul someone agree with this?

Thank you, V.

[jmaf]

On Circuits - Standby Switch Ratings
it says that "In standby switch applications (not necessarily in other DC switching applications), you can generally count on the switch being able to
handle DC voltage to at least twice the rated AC voltage."

Coul someone agree with this?

Thank you, V.

I don't know where they got the AC to DC conversion ratio but to reply your question: the Fender originals are made by Carling, rated at 250V 3A. A quick search will render many results.

The arcing is the only problem here, as you'll have excess current/power handling capability by that switch. Good brand switches as Switchcraft and Carling will do the trick and provide years and years of service.

[oc disorder]

If its a double pole switch and you parallel the contacts the rating of the switch is doubled

[52 Bill]

The thing to remember here is that even though there may be 500 Vdc on the switch, there is very little current being drawn through the contacts. Depending upon the circuit involved I'd guess less than 1/2 amp.

As jmaf noted, for a hundred years Fender used the same Carling switch that they used for the main ac switch. Use any high quality switch rated at 3A or better and you will be fine.

Just my 2 cents.

[vince76]

Thank you guys, feel more secure.
I'll go with 250V 5A I own

V

[tubeswell]

Those 250VAC 5A switches are standard for standby switches in lots of amps. I wouldn't be concerned