switches

[atroxr7]

Well im moving into parts ordering for my oven finally, I just wanted to touch base on some electrical things... I'll be using a 40a 120v coil 2 pole contactor and a dual digital temp controller. Any requirements and recommendations for switches for main power, lighting, and fan? Im not really used to AC power so im a bit lacking here. I was thinking of using some snap in illuminated rocker switches but ratings seem funny to me, seems many are rated on 250v. The light will be easy to calculate max amps, but the temp controller and convection fan i have no idea. Id imagine nothing over 5a.

[chromeitout]

Your fan should have a tag on the motor stating the amps, but likely not over 5 amps (mine is 2.7). The controller will probably be less than 1 amp. I'm using metal toggle switches (6amp) from McMaster-Carr ($3 each) that mount into my panel through 1/2 drilled holes. I also have a push/pull type kill switch that shuts the whole thing down...oven, lights, and fan.

[atroxr7]

i wanted a push pull... for the industrial look i guess.... im just used to operating machines with that style switch. Did you get that from mcmaster too? i havent made my order from them yet so i'll probly get switches there

[chromeitout]

I got the toggles from there, but the push/pull came off of an old machine. Here's my panel. The empty hole is for a fan motor speed switch and the lever switch is for choosing which elements I want to burn.

[nuttyman]

how is the main switch wired that allows power to the whole system? does it carry the whole load?

[atroxr7]

are ppl drilling holes for these boxes or are there enclosures with front holes for switches and such... im also gonna need a space for a 1/16 din. Just a bit confused right now cause i havent come across anything close to want i think im looking for yet

[chromeitout]

Originally Posted by nuttyman

how is the main switch wired that allows power to the whole system? does it carry the whole load?

All of my low voltage is run through the main kill switch then to the fan switch, the light switch, and the controller, and is fed by a dedicated 15amp breaker and 14ga. wire (total amps here should be less than 5). The load wire from the controller then goes to an element kill toggle so that I can leave the controller on, reading oven temperature, after shutting off the elements. The load wire from that switch then goes into the 3-pos. lever switch so that I can choose the elements I want to burn. From the lever switch the load wire will go to one side of each of my contactors' coils.
To answer "does it carry the whole load?" - No, just the low voltage for the fan, light, controller, and contactor coils. The main power for the elements come from their own breakers to the contactors. Hope I didn't confuse anyone.
Here's a pic of the inside (unfinished).

[chromeitout]

Originally Posted by atroxr7

are ppl drilling holes for these boxes or are there enclosures with front holes for switches and such... im also gonna need a space for a 1/16 din. Just a bit confused right now cause i havent come across anything close to want i think im looking for yet

I just used a 12x12x6 junction box from a local electrical supply store. McMaster-Carr has them but are rather pricy. I welded a piano hinge onto the cover, drilled and cut my holes where I wanted them and then pc'd it.

[atroxr7]

where did you get that "bussbar?" on the right. the only ones ive been able to locate are... well, like the silver buss in your breaker box

[chromeitout]

Either Lowe's or Home Depot. I can't remember. I think Lowe's.