Switch current rating for E-Switch RBW2 series

Electromechanical Switches
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1

The datasheet only mentions 16A or 10A rating for AC voltages. I’d like to use this switch for 24V DC, still staying under 16A. If DC rating is not explicitly specified then is this switch not meant for DC?

2

Correct, the RBW2 Series is not meant to be used for DC. If it is intended for DC the datasheet will give an Amperage Rating for DC Current.

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3

Thanks for clarifying. I have a general question as follow-up: when a datasheet specifies a current rating, does this apply to each terminal or to the whole switch? For example, a DPST switch with 16A rating means each terminal can handle 16A, or each can handle 8A for total of 16A?

4

Hello Again jp1,
The current rating applies to the entire switch not each terminal.

5

That’s good to know, if the manufacturer can confirm. I did ask Grok and got this answer below for a Wurth part, although Grok could not point to specific text to back it up, just used “standard interpretation”.

The 10A DC current rating (resistive load) for Würth Elektronik part 471023262152 is for each pole of this DPST switch.

This is a standard interpretation for DPST (Double Pole, Single Throw) rocker switches. Key details from the datasheet include:

  • Rated Current (Resistive Load): 10 A at 250 V AC / 60 V DC.
  • The switch is explicitly DPST with independent poles (two separate circuits controlled simultaneously).
  • The rating applies to the current each individual pole/contact set can safely handle. There is no indication in the specifications that this is a combined total across both poles.

Practical Implications

  • You can switch up to 10 A DC per pole (e.g., two independent 10 A loads, one per pole).
  • The total current the switch can handle is therefore up to 20 A DC if both poles carry equal loads.
  • Always respect the voltage ratings (60 V DC) and load type (resistive here; motor or inductive loads have lower ratings, e.g., 8 A in the datasheet).

For confirmation, refer to the official datasheet (available on the Würth Elektronik website), which lists the electrical properties uniformly for the DPST configuration without any “total” qualifier. If your application involves high inrush, inductive loads, or safety-critical use, review the full datasheet or contact Würth Elektronik directly for application-specific guidance.

6

For 24VDC and near 16A, It is strongly recommended to use a switch explicitly rated for DC. You can also use the switch only as a low-current control input and switching the load with a relay/MOSFET/contactors designed for DC.