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Default 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
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Default 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


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Default 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.
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Default 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.

--
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Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.


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Default 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
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Default 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
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Default 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
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Default 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.


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Default 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
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Default 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.
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Default 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.
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Default Small surface mount switches, maybe architrave switches?

On Thu, 19 May 2011 14:07:46 +0100, 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?


Can't you diy a box in ply/solid timber/aluminium/fibreglass?

Surface mounting can imply surface wiring which is not a really good
idea as it will almost certainly get damaged.

Switches that work for decades in a caravan, or a car can last just a
few weeks in some marine environments. So whatever you do, spend a bit
of cash on the switches from an industrial supplier, not far east
one-hung-lo cheapies from Maplin or CPC, or as good as *some* of their
bits are, an automotive supplier like VWP.

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.

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.

Then you'll fit them once and last rather than ****ing about with
cheap solutions that WILL let you down in the future.

--
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Default 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.


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Default 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
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Default 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
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Default 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

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Default 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

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Default 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


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Default 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
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Default 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
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