Electrical Question: 8 A - 16 A

[Doktor]

Hello everyone,

I have a technical question, as I'm not very familiar with electrical engineering:
the Shelly 1 PM Mini Gen 3 has a max. switching current of 8 A.
It is always said that you should check that the cables are fused accordingly. I looked in the switch box and everything there is fused with 16A. Now I'm wondering: Can I use the Shelle 1 PM Mini Gen 3 as it only goes up to 8 A?

 

And am I right in thinking that using the Shelly PM Mini Gen 3 with its 16 A is not a problem?

 

Regards,

Doktor

[wooly]

16 A is a standard for cabling. what you have to care is that the current that pass through the shelly is no more than 8 A, and normally you know, it is written on the devices .
Anyway on the shelly tehre is among the setting als "protection" where you may set a limit of 7.5A so if it is exceeded the relay would promptly disengage. to be even safer add also an 8 A fuse ahead.

Edited November 4, 2024 by wooly

[Heinz]

correct there are safety settings on the device that will stop the current from pulling more than it should its not so much to have the circuit breaker trip before the device does. Main thing is to not have a surge of over current pass through the device eg a pool pump for a mini that will never survive and not built for that 

[wooly]

what can damage it, more than an overcurrent when starting, it is when it is opening the contact, hence the suggestion of a protection ahead set at 8A or better at 7,5.