12 volt control of 120 volt circuits
- Thread starter Robb
- Start date
danemayer
Well-known member
If by "12 volt switch" you mean a smaller rocker type switch, they are sometimes used to carry 120V. For example, Suburban water heaters use small rocker switches in the path of the electric heating element, which draws quite a few more amps than an awning or ceiling fan.
You can pull the switch out and measure the voltage on the back to see if it's 120V AC or 12V DC.
You can pull the switch out and measure the voltage on the back to see if it's 120V AC or 12V DC.
Jesstruckn/Jesstalkn
Well-known member
I would think there has to be a relay or something. I would hope there's not 120V in those crimped push on connectors on the back of that 12V control panel.
SNOKING
Well-known member
I think you will find a combination of AC and DC in that same panel! There really should be a warning on it that 120V is on some of the switches. Chris
Jesstruckn/Jesstalkn
Well-known member
Now I have to go see for myself.
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Jesstruckn/Jesstalkn
Well-known member
Confirmed It is all 12Volts
The ceiling fan switch, and the 120v water heater switch, and everything else on the back of that panel is 12v. Well technically 13.2volts right now.
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The ceiling fan switch, and the 120v water heater switch, and everything else on the back of that panel is 12v. Well technically 13.2volts right now.
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Jesstruckn/Jesstalkn
Well-known member
I would think the water heater control relay would probably be at the water heater. And I'm guessing the fan relay might be by the fan. I've been all-over under my basement and all through my wiring harness behind the control panel many many times and haven't seen any.
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SNOKING
Well-known member
Well I have to work on a door strut this weekend, so I will have to scope that out. If those black relays have 120V on them I wonder why they did not use the insulated/hooded crimp on connectors? Chris
Bones
Well-known member
I didn't trace the black relays below. The 120 volt ones are in the electrical box on the top right. I think the other relays are used for some other control circuits.
SNOKING
Well-known member
The black ones look like automotive on closer exam, maybe they are for an awning? Like the new tow vehicles, these trailers are becoming quite complex, most likely leaving some repair tech that are not techie in the dark. Lucky I spent my working years doing techie electronic things starting with electronics school in the USCG.
Chris
Chris
Bones
Well-known member
it is possible. One day I'm going to sit in there again and have the DW use the switches so I can see if they energize.
