AVR-Chat

Well now I'm even more confused.   If VA is a measure of reactive/apparent
power, then why is there a separate rating for "VAC" (which looks like a
reactive rating to me)?   In other words, where is the resistive/real power
rating?   

 

It is definitely correct about looking at the actual data sheet.
Unfortunately, that only added to my confusion.  All it says is "gold: 0.4
VA max @ 20 VDC or peak AC".   Does that seriously mean the switch can only
handle a pathetic 33 mA at 12 VDC (or 20 mA at 20 VDC)?  It also seems that
spec is confusing the accepted use of "VA" versus "watts".

 

In my case the switch is input to a regulator which is supplying DC voltage
to a microcontroller and its peripheral chips.   The regulator has the usual
input capacitor on it.  Does this qualify as a resistive load?  It would
seem to me that it does.

 

And judging from the other responses that came in after this one, I don't
seem to be the only one confused.   One of you says the switch is just fine,
but another says no way!

 

Steve

 

From: AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of David VanHorn
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 8:19 AM
To: AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AVR-Chat] switch rating

 

What they are talking about there, is the difference between an
reactive load and a resistive load.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volt-ampere

Reactive loads can cause a lot more wear on a switch during make or
break than resistive loads.



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