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OT: Electrical Experts: Need a Source

A

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
Thinking about adding a 2nd gas tank to my old International pickup truck, and using an electric switch valve like the '70's Ford pickups used.

So I'm looking for a switch that will both operate the valve AND switch which sending unit the gas gauge is reading. To further complicate things, I want a rotary switch, with a D-shaped shaft, so I can have a knob made to match what's already on my dash.

So I guess I'm looking for a rotary switch, DPDT, ON-ON [no "off position needed or wanted], in 12V, with a 30-amp or less rating. Anyone know a source? I can find HUNDREDS of toggle switches that would work, but I really want a rotary switch for this purpose.

Thanks for any help.
 
OK, rotary switches are not spec'd the way most other switches are. You'll never see a "DPDT" rotary switch because there's no such animal. The are spec'd by the number of poles and positions. You then wire them up to get the particular behavior you need. To make a double-pole double-throw switch, you need a rotary switch with at least four poles and at least two positions. (A one-position switch would be quite odd, wouldn't it?)

I think your biggest challenge will be to find a rotary switch rated at 30 amps DC. You'll have an easier time finding a solution if you add a relay to the circuit. If you use a DPDT relay, then you can run the gauge through one pole and the valve through the other. Now all you need is a SPST switch. If you really must have a rotary switch, it will be cheaper and easier to find one rated at a few hundred milliamps than one rated at 30 amps DC. It will also be much smaller, so you stand a chance of fitting it into your dash.
 
BTW, what kind of solenoid valve needs 30 amps to operate? If that's really what it draws, I think your Binder's charging system will be hard-pressed to keep up.
 
Look for GM trucks,73/76 the ones with the gas tanks outside of the frame. No it wont match yours but they switched both the gauge and the tank at once. 1972 Ford used a manual gas valve and a switch on the dash for the gauge.
JD 318 lawn mowers use a small manual switch, but I think it is a 5/16 line.
 
Look for a Hi-Lo speed rotary switch for a fan. You probably will only find Off-Low-High but it's an idea. Old tractor cab fan switch?Jim
 
Well, be careful of switch current ratings. They're typically rated for AC and derated for DC.

Here's an 11 amp DC switch that should meet your needs. Only problem is it costs 170 bucks!
<a href="http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70152343">http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70152343</a>

Here's a more reasonably priced 1 amp DC switch that should do the trick.
<a href="http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70152429">http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70152429</a>

Allied has a few hundred different rotary switches in stock, you should be able to find one that meets your needs.

A trick for switching inductive loads with a marginally-rated switch or relay is to add a "kickback" diode. This is a reverse-biased diode you connect in parallel with the inductive load. When you switch off the load, the diode provides a path for current, which eliminates arcing of the switch contacts.
 
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