Hi Ron, I have too say this would be dependant on the rest of the device. At very low switching frequencies (every few minutes or less) I might consider a relay. However mechanical contacts are subject to bounce, both mechanical and electrical, creating interference and noise for other systems, that may be undesirable. If your controlling motors or lighting, or -lots of other stuff- you might want to move to a PWM variable control, which would mandate solid state power handling. There are a wide variety of devices that could handle this MOSFETs, BJTs, and IGBJTs immediately come to mind. Ultimately the decision has to be based on the application. Perhaps we could be more helpful if you shared a few more details about what you're trying to do? Denny ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jon Jenkins" To: Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 7:17 PM Subject: [EE] Switching large currents > Hi People > > I am not sure if this is the correct forum or not. > > I am building a small system with PIC control which > has to switch large currents +30A at 12/24V. This > is not really my area so I need some advice. > > Without wanting to start WWIII what do others > see as the pros and cons of the various methods > electronic and mechanical. > > Thanks for any input. > > Jon > > -- > http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList > mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu > -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu