Which switch for high voltage switching?

[iep]

I'm looking to add a triode/pentode switch to my amp as well as (perhaps) a standby switch. However, both of these switches would need to be able to tolerate high DC voltages. Most heavy duty toggle switches that I have been able to find describe only their AC voltage/current capabilities with some even saying they are only good for up to 24Vdc.

My own guess is that provided I do not exceed the power rating of the switch (2.4kW for example for a 240V, 10A switch) I should be fine since even 500Vdc is unlikely to cause insulator breakdown or arcing within a reasonably sized switch.

Does this make sense?

Cheers,

iep

[pdf64]

When switching dc, what seems to matter is that the switch has a quick make / break action, see p6 (p4 of the paper) http://www.aeroelectric.com/Referenc...ing_Manual.pdf

and note http://www.carlingtech.com/sites/def..._%26_COS_0.pdf

I don't think that slow make / break switches would be suitable, even if rated for comparatively large ac currents.

I think that a key thing may be whether it is intended for the switch to be operated under dynamic conditions (I don't think it would be a good idea, due to the inductive circuits and peak Vac that may be >2 x VdcB+).
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[iep]

Thanks, and the paper makes sense. However, I have never seem a switch that includes a spec for make/break speed so kind of hard to act on the paper's advice.

Can anyone suggest a switch they have used successfully?

I was thinking of one of these:

MARQUARDT,0133.0101-00,SWITCH, TOGGLE, DPDT, 2A, PLASTIC | eBay

Cheers,

iep

[Tom Phillips]

Many amp builders use switches such as the ones shown at https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/P-H35-146 and https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/P-H525 . These switches are known to work fine even for high DC voltage switching.

[iep]

Thanks Tom, really helpful advice. I couldn't see how these switches would have failed to work but good to hear some evidence of others having used them.

Cheers,

iep

[Leo_Gnardo]

https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/P-H35-146

I've used these for triode switches. Reliable but big. Should go without saying, remove the screws and solder directly. If we could find a plastic-bat version, I reckon that would be one more step towards safety.