Beltfed,
I have no accurate answer, only a semi-uneducated guess. Maybe the first figure is a "make" rating and the second figure is the "break" rating. The dynamics of the load would determine if the relay were appropriate.
When a contact is opened while passing heavy DC current, there is a large arc created. Maybe the larger value takes this fact into consideration.
If the ampacity of the relay is based on the surface area of the contacts, which I think it is, then it seems like it would be an arbitrary value, so I'm with you, why two numbers.
Have you thought about putting a MOV in parallel with the contacts on your fan relay. They quench any arc and prolong the life of the relay by many times.
What do I know, I'm just a dumb, retired Millwright.
Stuart
