On Jul 23, 12:29 pm, Bob Engelhardt wrote:
I'm in the process of modifying an electric clothes dryer. I want to
switch 21A, 240v current, but I don't have, and can't find, a switch
with that capacity.

But, as I understand it, switches are rated for the current that they
can *break*. My application will never require the switch to break the
current - that will be done by the dryer's timer.

Also, in a closed-contact situation, I'm thinking that paralleling 2
sets of contacts will double (more or less) the current capacity.

So, if I use a 2 pole 15A rated switch, parallel its poles, & never
break the current with it, could it carry 21A?

Thanks,
Bob

Thats a bloody big clothes dryer Bob - 5Kw - and I doubt if an
"ordinary" 240v outlet could handle it - you will need a dedicated
circuit, at least. Whats its origin - ex laundromat?

One alternative is to use a small toggle switch, which controls a big
relay or even better, a SSR (Solid State Relay) which are quite cheap
nowadays...

Andrew VK3BFA.