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Eureka Vacuum Cleaners Switch Properly rated?
QUESTION: Can anyone help me in determining if the Eureka Vacuum Cleaners Switch is
properly rated as I've been given the run-around by Eureka?
The three position switch (carpet,OFF,floor) on my Eureka Excaliber model
6425A (upright) keeps sparking-- this is the 3rd switch in 4 years. The
other 2 switches actually smoked and burned until I yanked the cord out of
the wall socket.
Of course the vacuum cleaner is out of warranty *and* out of production.
The switch is rated 13A, 1/2 hp. The vacuum cleaner is rated @ 12A (so I'm
assuming it's rated at 1440 volt-amperes.) There are 2 motors in the vacuum
cleaner, one for the power head and the other for suction. The larger
suction motor has the following stamped on the motor:
- Stamped in black: "317557-05"
- Stamped in green: "7557-00, Lamb, Made in the USA, 120VAC, 60hz, 720495F,
1.5-1"
When I requested information from Ametek Lamb, they responded by saying that
the information is proprietary to Eureka.
Any input is greatly appreciated,
ANSWER: Time to unplug that vacuum pull the switch out and take it to a hardware store
or electronics supply house and get yourself a switch that is rated at 15 amps.
Most vacuums are rated from anywhere between 7.5 amps and 15 amps. The switch
is arcing because of the amount of current being drawns towards it when the
power is on that device. A new 15 amp switch which is properly matched and
rated for up to 220 volts AC ought to handle the voltage and current going
through the device and should have a safety factor to accomodate for electrical
loads on the circuit or motor in the device.
Also important to remember that a switch is wired on both side at the HOT.
If something else is touching, or if the switch has too low a current rating
for the current the appliance actually takes, then you need to replace the
switch as soon as possible.
You really need to take it and properly match it to a switch that is
heftier. Also make certain that no other connections (other than HOT) to both
sides of the switch are making contact to it. Also a good idea to check the
electrical cord. If it is frayed, best to replace that too.
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