DPDT Toggle

redrover

redrover

Well-Known Member
For reasons probably best left un-elaborated on a public forum, I need a DPDT toggle switch with a decent current rating.

Most of the new switches on ebay are listed as DPDT, but are actually SPDT, or have a stupidly low current rating. I can't be bothered messaging them all to find out!

Would a S1 P6 dashboard switch be suitable? Current draw is only likely to be 5A or so, but this needs to be belt-and-braces and I can't risk contacts burning.
So far as I can work out, the head/fog switch on the early cars has 2 positions. Am I right? If so, this would be ideal, as I don't need a centre 'off' position, just 2 'on' positions (if you take my meaning), and that particular switch deals with a helluva decent current draw during normal operation.
The switch also needs to have 2 poles that are independent of one another (ie, switching two separate circuits at the same time). Can anybody confirm whether the head/fog switch has these functions.

Much appreciated!
Michael
 
Have you had a look at the rs website? Found a good site the other day cbsonline I think it was. Lots of switches on there.

Rich.
 
redrover said:
For reasons probably best left un-elaborated on a public forum, I need a DPDT toggle switch with a decent current rating.

Most of the new switches on ebay are listed as DPDT, but are actually SPDT, or have a stupidly low current rating. I can't be bothered messaging them all to find out!

Would a S1 P6 dashboard switch be suitable? Current draw is only likely to be 5A or so, but this needs to be belt-and-braces and I can't risk contacts burning.
So far as I can work out, the head/fog switch on the early cars has 2 positions. Am I right? If so, this would be ideal, as I don't need a centre 'off' position, just 2 'on' positions (if you take my meaning), and that particular switch deals with a helluva decent current draw during normal operation.
The switch also needs to have 2 poles that are independent of one another (ie, switching two separate circuits at the same time). Can anybody confirm whether the head/fog switch has these functions.

Much appreciated!
Michael
Click to expand...

If you take this approach you are looking for trouble, high current and 2 poles on the dash is a recipe for unreliability at best and potential burn ups at worst, it not for no reason that the appropriate switch is hard to find, those that meet high current specs tend to be large and huckery.
A far better approach is to get a switch that fits in around your existing switches and looks factory, then use that switch to power an appropriate sized high current dual relay or two seperate Hella style relays (25 amp rating) which are both cheap and light years ahead in switching reliability.

PS Also the relays can be located where the current is to be consumed saving on wiring loses and copper costs

Graeme
 
ghce said:
high current and 2 poles on the dash is a recipe for unreliability at best and potential burn ups at worst
Click to expand...

Hmmm, I fear you're right! I'll rethink this. The relays solution seems to be sensible, as they're location can be, well, wherever the hell you want!

Cheers
 
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