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Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be
switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Most of them will need to be surface mounted and I'm having a hard time finding anything reasonably small and neat. About the best so far are architrave switches but even these are on the large side for what I want. One can get really nice compact toggle and rocker switches from the likes of CPC and Farnell but I can't find anything (or think of any way of DIYing) small boxes to mount them in. Any ideas anyone? -- Chris Green |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
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Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
On May 19, 2:07*pm, wrote:
I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Is this 12V DC? Beware that the DC current rating will be a lot lower than the AC current rating for a given switch. MBQ |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
On May 19, 2:07*pm, wrote:
I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. That's 5A DC too. 240V AC switches are generally unreliable for this. Try CPC for toggles - they have some with decent DC ratings that are quite cheap. |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
In article ,
wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Most of them will need to be surface mounted and I'm having a hard time finding anything reasonably small and neat. About the best so far are architrave switches but even these are on the large side for what I want. One can get really nice compact toggle and rocker switches from the likes of CPC and Farnell but I can't find anything (or think of any way of DIYing) small boxes to mount them in. Any ideas anyone? You're talking car stuff, really. Have a look he- http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/switches/switches_menu.php But most are designed for panel mount. CPC etc should have a range of small boxes which would do. But you'd have to cut the holes yourself. -- *Succeed, in spite of management * Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
Man at B&Q wrote:
On May 19, 2:07Â*pm, wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Is this 12V DC? Beware that the DC current rating will be a lot lower than the AC current rating for a given switch. Yes, of course it's DC. In general a switch rated at 5A 250v alternating has a similar current rating at 12v direct. -- Chris Green |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
Andy Dingley wrote:
On May 19, 2:07Â*pm, wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. That's 5A DC too. 240V AC switches are generally unreliable for this. Try CPC for toggles - they have some with decent DC ratings that are quite cheap. Yes, I know, that's what I said to start with, but how do I surface mount them, that's the difficult bit. -- Chris Green |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
In article , wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Most of them will need to be surface mounted and I'm having a hard time finding anything reasonably small and neat. About the best so far are architrave switches but even these are on the large side for what I want. One can get really nice compact toggle and rocker switches from the likes of CPC and Farnell but I can't find anything (or think of any way of DIYing) small boxes to mount them in. Any ideas anyone? You're talking car stuff, really. Have a look he- http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/switches/switches_menu.php But most are designed for panel mount. CPC etc should have a range of small boxes which would do. But you'd have to cut the holes yourself. They're also exceedingly silly prices for switches. Similar rated switches from CPC and Farnell are a fraction of the price. -- Chris Green |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
wrote:
"Nightjar \"cpb\"@" "insertmysurnamehere wrote: On 19/05/2011 14:07, wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Most of them will need to be surface mounted and I'm having a hard time finding anything reasonably small and neat. About the best so far are architrave switches but even these are on the large side for what I want. One can get really nice compact toggle and rocker switches from the likes of CPC and Farnell but I can't find anything (or think of any way of DIYing) small boxes to mount them in. A small ABS enclosure, a drill, a saw and a file? Although, personally, for a boat I would go for modular process control push buttons, which can be sealed to IP67 and for which enclosures are readily available. I suppose there are really small ABS boxes available, thanks for the idea. Can you point me at the process control buttons you are talking about please. Would they need any electronics behind them to actually switch lighting loads? Boring answer Maplin do switches with the appropriate rating, as well as a range of boxes to mount them in, but you'll need to make your own holes. Halfords and your local motor factor sell rocker and toggle switches rated to cope with car lighting loads, which fit the Maplin boxes with the appropriate holes made. Maplin also sell relays, which will switch the current, and allow you to use any switch you wish, Don't use switches supplied for marine use, as IME mostly it's caravan stuff being sold at twice the price. So try your local caravan supply shop. -- Tciao for Now! John. |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
On May 19, 2:07*pm, wrote:
I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Most of them will need to be surface mounted and I'm having a hard time finding anything reasonably small and neat. *About the best so far are architrave switches but even these are on the large side for what I want. One can get really nice compact toggle and rocker switches from the likes of CPC and Farnell but I can't find anything (or think of any way of DIYing) small boxes to mount them in. Any ideas anyone? Have you checked rapidonline? BTW I think knife switches are still available, sold mainly for educational use. :) NT |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
On May 19, 2:07*pm, wrote:
I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Most of them will need to be surface mounted and I'm having a hard time finding anything reasonably small and neat. *About the best so far are architrave switches but even these are on the large side for what I want. One can get really nice compact toggle and rocker switches from the likes of CPC and Farnell but I can't find anything (or think of any way of DIYing) small boxes to mount them in. Any ideas anyone? -- Chris Green Use automotive switches. Mains switches are not suitable for DC. |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
On May 19, 7:49*pm, wrote:
Man at B&Q wrote: On May 19, 2:07*pm, wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Is this 12V DC? Beware that the DC current rating will be a lot lower than the AC current rating for a given switch. Yes, of course it's DC. *In general a switch rated at 5A 250v alternating has a similar current rating at 12v direct. -- Chris Green Definitely not so. |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
|
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
In article ,
wrote: You're talking car stuff, really. Have a look he- http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/switches/switches_menu.php But most are designed for panel mount. CPC etc should have a range of small boxes which would do. But you'd have to cut the holes yourself. They're also exceedingly silly prices for switches. Similar rated switches from CPC and Farnell are a fraction of the price. For exactly the same stuff? -- *I wished the buck stopped here, as I could use a few* Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
On 19/05/2011 19:48, wrote:
"Nightjar\"cpb\"@""insertmysurnamehere wrote: On 19/05/2011 14:07, wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Most of them will need to be surface mounted and I'm having a hard time finding anything reasonably small and neat. About the best so far are architrave switches but even these are on the large side for what I want. One can get really nice compact toggle and rocker switches from the likes of CPC and Farnell but I can't find anything (or think of any way of DIYing) small boxes to mount them in. A small ABS enclosure, a drill, a saw and a file? Although, personally, for a boat I would go for modular process control push buttons, which can be sealed to IP67 and for which enclosures are readily available. I suppose there are really small ABS boxes available, thanks for the idea. Can you point me at the process control buttons you are talking about please. Would they need any electronics behind them to actually switch lighting loads? This is the sort of thing I had in mind. It is an American site, but gives a better idea of the range available than other sites I found. http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/...ors/22mm_Metal Those are 22mm diameter, but there are 16mm diameter and even 9mm switches available if they are too big. Simply Google size modular switches. The 22mm size will normally take up to three modules at the back, which can be contactor blocks, lamps or LEDs. By selecting contactor blocks and actuators you can have any combination of normally open, normally closed or toggle on/off switches with or without illumination. The switches are completely self-contained and need no additional electronics. Some actuators have sealing shrouds that moisture and dust proof them to IP 67. Colin Bignell |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
On May 20, 10:16*am, "Nightjar \"cpb\"@" "insertmysurnamehere
wrote: On 19/05/2011 19:48, wrote: "Nightjar\"cpb\"@""insertmysurnamehere *wrote: On 19/05/2011 14:07, wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Most of them will need to be surface mounted and I'm having a hard time finding anything reasonably small and neat. *About the best so far are architrave switches but even these are on the large side for what I want. One can get really nice compact toggle and rocker switches from the likes of CPC and Farnell but I can't find anything (or think of any way of DIYing) small boxes to mount them in. A small ABS enclosure, a drill, a saw and a file? Although, personally, for a boat I would go for modular process control push buttons, which can be sealed to IP67 and for which enclosures are readily available. I suppose there are really small ABS boxes available, thanks for the idea. Can you point me at the process control buttons you are talking about please. Would they need any electronics behind them to actually switch lighting loads? This is the sort of thing I had in mind. It is an American site, but gives a better idea of the range available than other sites I found. http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/...shbuttons_-z-_... Those are 22mm diameter, but there are 16mm diameter and even 9mm switches available if they are too big. Simply Google size modular switches. The 22mm size will normally take up to three modules at the back, which can be contactor blocks, lamps or LEDs. By selecting contactor blocks and actuators you can have any combination of normally open, normally closed or toggle on/off switches with or without illumination. The switches are completely self-contained and need no additional electronics. Some actuators have sealing shrouds that moisture and dust proof them to IP 67.. Colin Bignell The first one I looked at 130 volts AC at 6.5 amps or 24 volts DC at 1.5 amps. You need to be very careful that they are spec'ed for the DC current you expect to switch. MBQ |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
On May 19, 7:49*pm, wrote:
Man at B&Q wrote: On May 19, 2:07*pm, wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Is this 12V DC? Beware that the DC current rating will be a lot lower than the AC current rating for a given switch. Yes, of course it's DC. *In general a switch rated at 5A 250v alternating has a similar current rating at 12v direct. So go ahead. Use a switch rated at 5A 250V. What you do on your own boat is your business. MBQ |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
On 20/05/2011 10:24, Man at B&Q wrote:
On May 20, 10:16 am, "Nightjar\"cpb\"@""insertmysurnamehere wrote: On 19/05/2011 19:48, wrote: "Nightjar\"cpb\"@""insertmysurnamehere wrote: On 19/05/2011 14:07, wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Most of them will need to be surface mounted and I'm having a hard time finding anything reasonably small and neat. About the best so far are architrave switches but even these are on the large side for what I want. One can get really nice compact toggle and rocker switches from the likes of CPC and Farnell but I can't find anything (or think of any way of DIYing) small boxes to mount them in. A small ABS enclosure, a drill, a saw and a file? Although, personally, for a boat I would go for modular process control push buttons, which can be sealed to IP67 and for which enclosures are readily available. I suppose there are really small ABS boxes available, thanks for the idea. Can you point me at the process control buttons you are talking about please. Would they need any electronics behind them to actually switch lighting loads? This is the sort of thing I had in mind. It is an American site, but gives a better idea of the range available than other sites I found. http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/...shbuttons_-z-_... Those are 22mm diameter, but there are 16mm diameter and even 9mm switches available if they are too big. Simply Googlesize modular switches. The 22mm size will normally take up to three modules at the back, which can be contactor blocks, lamps or LEDs. By selecting contactor blocks and actuators you can have any combination of normally open, normally closed or toggle on/off switches with or without illumination. The switches are completely self-contained and need no additional electronics. Some actuators have sealing shrouds that moisture and dust proof them to IP 67. Colin Bignell The first one I looked at 130 volts AC at 6.5 amps or 24 volts DC at 1.5 amps. You need to be very careful that they are spec'ed for the DC current you expect to switch. With any modular switching you need to select the modules to suit your application. I used to buy mine from RS Components, but their online catalogue does not give such a clear view of the range. The ones I bought were 5A at 240v AC or 24V DC, but there were lower rated ones. Colin BIgnell |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
"Nightjar \"cpb\"@" "insertmysurnamehere wrote:
On 19/05/2011 19:48, wrote: "Nightjar\"cpb\"@""insertmysurnamehere wrote: Can you point me at the process control buttons you are talking about please. Would they need any electronics behind them to actually switch lighting loads? This is the sort of thing I had in mind. It is an American site, but gives a better idea of the range available than other sites I found. http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/...ors/22mm_Metal Those are 22mm diameter, but there are 16mm diameter and even 9mm switches available if they are too big. Simply Google size modular switches. The 22mm size will normally take up to three modules at the back, which can be contactor blocks, lamps or LEDs. By selecting contactor blocks and actuators you can have any combination of normally open, normally closed or toggle on/off switches with or without illumination. The switches are completely self-contained and need no additional electronics. Some actuators have sealing shrouds that moisture and dust proof them to IP 67. OK, thank you, I can search on from there. -- Chris Green |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
harry wrote:
On May 19, 7:49Â*pm, wrote: Man at B&Q wrote: On May 19, 2:07Â*pm, wrote: I'm after some small switches for use on a boat, they will be switching 12 volt lighting so insulation isn't a big issue but they need to be at least 5 amp rating. Is this 12V DC? Beware that the DC current rating will be a lot lower than the AC current rating for a given switch. Yes, of course it's DC. Â*In general a switch rated at 5A 250v alternating has a similar current rating at 12v direct. -- Chris Green Definitely not so. Well, alright, but in many cases that's true. One just needs to check the ratings. -- Chris Green |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
The Other Mike wrote:
Switches that don't protrude are better if there is any chance of falling against them or they come close to your face when in a bunk so normal toggle switches are usually a no-no except when situated under a cover panel. All very well but a "switch that doesn't protrude" has to have zero thickness if it's mounted on a panel which is a parition between two exposed areas. Depending on the exposure to the elements pick the highest IP rating you can justify (and afford) from a reputable manufacturer, use crimped ring terminals with adhesive heatshrink round the cable end (rather than push on 1/4 inch crimps) with a smear of silicone grease on all the terminals both used and unused. This is a boat for inland waterways, as far as I can tell so far (we've owned it for a year) the environment is very similar to our house in the countrysid in the UK not so far from the sea. -- Chris Green |
Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
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Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
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Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?
"Nightjar \"cpb\"@" "insertmysurnamehere wrote:
On 20/05/2011 21:25, wrote: ... This is a boat for inland waterways, as far as I can tell so far (we've owned it for a year) the environment is very similar to our house in the countrysid in the UK not so far from the sea. When you wrote boat, I assumed a marine environment. For inland waterways, I don't see any problem with using caravan or car electrics. Quite, but I still need to find suitably compact switches with appropriate ratings. Switched for mounting on panels are dead easy to find, every sort and shape available, but ones that will mount on a flat surface are more difficult. -- Chris Green |
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