I need to replace my 1970s Era m55 mercury on off switch with a compatible toggle switch. Does anyone have the specs for these switches with regard to voltage or amperage?
If my memory serves me correctly, it attached directly to the cable from the wall with no transformer. If that is true, then the voltage is 120v AC. A standard wall outlet doesn’t usually exceed 20 amps… so…
If you meet that, you are likely safe. There is no harm in having a more robust power switch than you need.
Being intrigued by the question and as the owner of a 1974 M55, I contacted the Bodine Electric Company, manufacturer of the unit in my M55. They are still in business and still making a line of gearmotors. They referred me to a company that services their products and maintains info on legacy products. Because the motor is so well buried in the frame, it’s difficult to make out the info on the nameplate, but I sent the best photos I could take. Their engineer believes the rating is probably 2.8 amps.
Comments
Not really, but…
Randy_Sutin Sat, 05/24/2025 - 09:37
If my memory serves me correctly, it attached directly to the cable from the wall with no transformer. If that is true, then the voltage is 120v AC. A standard wall outlet doesn’t usually exceed 20 amps… so…
If you meet that, you are likely safe. There is no harm in having a more robust power switch than you need.
Bodine Gearmotor spec
Paul Kaminsky Tue, 05/27/2025 - 14:20
Being intrigued by the question and as the owner of a 1974 M55, I contacted the Bodine Electric Company, manufacturer of the unit in my M55. They are still in business and still making a line of gearmotors. They referred me to a company that services their products and maintains info on legacy products. Because the motor is so well buried in the frame, it’s difficult to make out the info on the nameplate, but I sent the best photos I could take. Their engineer believes the rating is probably 2.8 amps.
Correction
Paul Kaminsky Wed, 05/28/2025 - 13:48
In reply to Bodine Gearmotor spec by Paul Kaminsky
Just heard back from the engineer. He said the motor’s draw is .28 (28 hundredths) amps.