Using disconnect switch over its operating current Ie

[g3nt73m4n]

Hello,

What happens if we use disconnect switch over its operating curent Ie?

For ex.
If our circuit is motor circuit and current range is 140A. We need to use 160A. But we used a disconnect switch with operating current Ie as 125A not 160A.
Making and breaking capacity of a disconnect switch is 1000A.

So under this condition does it means that our disconnect switch can easily withstand 140A and the only problem is the lifespan of the switch since we are over its operating current?

 

[Megawatt]

Hello,

What happens if we use disconnect switch over its operating curent Ie?

For ex.
If our circuit is motor circuit and current range is 140A. We need to use 160A. But we used a disconnect switch with operating current Ie as 125A not 160A.
Making and breaking capacity of a disconnect switch is 1000A.

So under this condition does it means that our disconnect switch can easily withstand 140A and the only problem is the lifespan of the switch since we are over its operating current?

What you need to do is buy a 200 amp disconnect. To size a disconnect you take your load and multiply 140 times 115%. It’s also illegal to exceed the rating of the disconnect and do not turn it off under a load

 

[pc1966]

Making and breaking capacity of a disconnect switch is 1000A.

So under this condition does it means that our disconnect switch can easily withstand 140A

Only for a very short time!

and the only problem is the lifespan of the switch since we are over its operating current?

Maybe. But if anything goes wrong, and I have every expectation it will go wrong in that case, the manufacturer would reject any liability for the failure and those who decided to use the product beyond its rated capacity would be responsible!

Short answer is no, that is a bad idea and you really should replace it with one that is adequately rated, as @Megawatt has already said.