[Boatanchors] RF Power handling of Relays

[John King]

I have decided to construct some antenna switching relays for my numerous Vintage Am stations and have built some using relays with 10 AMP contact ratings at as much as 125 to 250 volts similar to the plug in Potter Brumfield units operating with a coil voltage of 12 vdc.

Assuming a reasonably low SWR on the feedline, what is your opinion based on experience with relays that these 10 AMP contacts will handle. I am really tired of over 50 years of grabbing the 115 volt terminals on Dow Key relays when attaching cables and removing them. Dow Keys are great relays and I have some, but not enough to make up the stations I need to assemble.

Feel free to email me directly. Thanks and 73, John, K5PGW