understanding max current draw

[Inteificio]

OK embarrassingly simple question.

One of the devices I have says the following:

"max current 13(2)A"

What does the 2 in bracket refer too?

Thanks,

 

[malcolmsanford]

European?? possible may indicate 2 phase 230 volt.

 

[Inteificio]

Nah, I have seen it a few times on UK appliances. Much to my embarrassment I never knew what it means.

This is just for a timer switch.

 

[Marvo]

I would guess it refers to the load being AC2 although I'm not sure why they have not used the brackets.

A load is rarely expressed without a qualification of how inductive or capacitive it is. You can have a contact that's rated to take a 13 amp linear load but it will only be capable of switching 6 amps of motor load. Here's a better explanation.

 

[WDMDL]

I've always taken it to mean 13A resistive, 2A inductive. I looked it up when I was a teenager and wanted to create some unusual circuit.....

Edit: I think it's something to do with the opening speed and/or separation of the contacts, and how they may draw an arc when opening an inductive circuit.

Simon.

 

[Inteificio]

I just had a thought,

Whenever I have seen this figure it has been on a relay; but specifically a relay designed to control heating elements.

Doesn't seem likely that they would put that on a controller designed specifically for a boiler...but in turn there is a lot of stuff that seems to defy logic in electrics.