I feel like this ought to be a FAQ, but because of the abundance of articles on Grade Point Average coming out of the US, it's extremely difficult to search for. I have a micro switch with rather difficult to read labelling on it, but which clearly shows a current rating of 0.1GPA (and 125 VAC):
I'm used to seeing a simple 'A' after current ratings. What does the 'GP' stand for in this instance?
\$\begingroup\$
\$\endgroup\$
1
-
\$\begingroup\$ Rest assured: I've never heard about GPA... \$\endgroup\$– Marcus MüllerCommented Oct 8, 2019 at 22:14
Add a comment
|
2 Answers
\$\begingroup\$
\$\endgroup\$
3
To really know, you'd have to have a few hundred dollars to get access to the CUL 61058-1 document. However, it probably stands for General Purpose Amps GPA. The rating is the same as a regular amp, they probably redefine it to differentiate between DC amps and AC amps or to mean both.
Source: http://www.state-elec.com/honeywell/pdf/MICRO-SWITCH%20V15.pdf
answered Oct 8, 2019 at 22:23
-
\$\begingroup\$ I see! Thanks very much. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Oct 8, 2019 at 22:48
-
1\$\begingroup\$ Do general purpose amps cost less than hand-machined special purpose amps? \$\endgroup\$ Commented Oct 9, 2019 at 0:20
-
1\$\begingroup\$ Yes, and you only get them if you live in the US, there are no general purpose amps outside of the US, only regular amps \$\endgroup\$– Voltage Spike ♦Commented Oct 9, 2019 at 3:50
\$\begingroup\$
\$\endgroup\$
Bottom of page 17 of this Farnell document defines it as “GPA – General Purpose Amps (Inductive Load)”.
answered Oct 8, 2019 at 22:30