VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Electrical - 6 volt Ignition switch recommended max current load

Referring to a 48 Chevy Fleetmaster.
I got my car without a radio and now I am looking forward of installing one.
In the shop manual there is no indication as how a radio can be connected to the wiring.
As a safeguard against an empty battery I should like to connect it to the ignition switch.
By the ignition switch are already connected the fuel gage and the heater fan.
My question: what is the maximum switching current (in Amps) of the ignition switch?
Thank you in advance.

Jianis

If you are worried about the current draw of the radio, use the same connection as the fuel guage and fan to control a relay that switches the radio main power. This relay can also switch other accessories via a separate fuse block.
Tony

Jianis,
I don't know how many amps the ignition switch is capable of carrying but I would hook it up to the same "post" on the ignition as the fuel gage (hot when the key is turned "on"). I would think it will surely carry that much load with no problems. That's how I have my radio hooked up and I have had no problems.

Make sure the fuse in the radio is correct. I don't know what amp of the fuse is supposed to be. Relatively low I think.

Anyone know the right amp fuse?
Charlie

...Ray says : 14 amp...

Tony Charlie and Kevin

Thank you for your inputs.
Considering its an old switch and none seams to know what the limits are I think its better using a relay or a special accessory block to be sure that I will not be overloaded.

Jianis

(((...Ray says : 14 amp..)))

I guess Kevin means "Antique Mechanic" who would be amongst the most knowledgeable of the Chev electrics on this forum.
Tony

I have a '40 that has the radio, heater and defroster hooked to the ignition switch. The car only had one owner prior to me buying it in 1963. So I think it was hooked up that way since day one. I've run the car about 350,000 miles and have not had any electrical problems with the ignition switch except that for the last 100,000 miles I can use any old GM key or a straight slot screwdriver to turn the ignition on and off.