12 volt toggle switch..on/off

C

Cas

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

Does anybody know where I can buy some 12 volt on/off toggle switches? Bought 6 at Advance and they all failed in anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 days. Can use 20 amp but would try bigger ones. Used to buy Standard, but find any anymore.

 

M

MSS3020

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

you might try www.surpluscenter.com..

 

glennster

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

if yu are drawing a lot ofamp thru the circuit, why not use a 30 to 40 amp automotive type relay and use the toggle switch to control the relay. heres a link
poke here

 

D

[email protected]

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

We have a local truck stop with a convenience store inside. They stock lighting accessories including metal toggle switches rated at 30 amps. Made in the U.S. and reasonably priced for what they are. I bought several a few years back and they are wonderful. Maybe an option for you.

 

O

old

Well-known Member

Location

Camdenton Missouri

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

Go to a real auto parts tore and buy ones made in the U.S.A. Napa or O'Reilly's

 

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Bob

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

If you've got the Standard Ignition numbers of the switches you were using, have an auto parts store order them for you or check ebay and Amazon with the #'s.

Or, try DigiKey.com.

 

F

Ferd

Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

Buy at an auto parts store a switch designed for DC (not AC). Just bought a 50 amp DC switch at an NAPA.

 

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bison

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

(quoted from post at 13:07:10 06/08/15) if yu are drawing a lot ofamp thru the circuit, why not use a 30 to 40 amp automotive type relay and use the toggle switch to control the relay. heres a link
poke here

Click to expand...

What he says^^^^^

 

D

Dell (WA)

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

Cas.......would you believe it ain't the volts (ie 12-volts) but the AMPS that you need to rate for. Most toggle switches are good fer 200-volts DC. Yer weaksister tractor ignition switch is good fer about 5-AMPS. After replacing my tractor ignition switch 3-times in one summer, I gott PI$$ED and went to a Marine Supply store and bought a 25-amp WATERPROOF toggle switch. Who needs keys? .......electrical Dell

 

A

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

(quoted from post at 20:34:44 06/08/15)

(quoted from post at 13:07:10 06/08/15) if yu are drawing a lot ofamp thru the circuit, why not use a 30 to 40 amp automotive type relay and use the toggle switch to control the relay. heres a link
poke here

Click to expand...

What he says^^^^^

Click to expand...

What they both say^^^^^

 

J

John B.

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

When did they start making switches for AC or DC??? Explain to me what the difference is...!

 

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fixerupper

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

Go to a commercial electrical supply, one that does industrial grade work. They know what works and what doesn't.

 

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MARK ROBKE

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

What glenster and bison say.Mark

 

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Dalex

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

I just got a catalogue from Del City ... They are packed with switches , relays terminal blocks Wholesale to the public , I bought a bunch of starter buttons .

 

F

Ferd

Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

Vehicles are DC - Appliances are AC. With no break in current flow, DC switches are heavier. Switches from auto parts stores are all built for DC at the amp rating.

 

B

Bob

Well-known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

DC current is more prone to arc at switch contacts than the same voltage AC where the current reverses 120 times a second.

 

MarkB_MI

Well-known Member

Location

Motown USA

• Jun 9, 2015

• #1

Most general-purpose switches have two amp ratings: one for AC and a lower rating for DC. The DC rating is about 20 percent of AC. AC turns itself off 120 times each second, so there's usually less arcing with AC than with DC. It's been this way as long as I can remember.

 

MarkB_MI

Well-known Member

Location

Motown USA

• Jun 9, 2015

• #1

Allied, Digikey and Mouser all carry name-brand switches.

 

R

Rick Kr

Well-known Member

• Jun 9, 2015

• #1

What all three of them say ^^^^.

Anything other than minor amperage, I run through a relay. Especially lights, which may only draw 9 amps continuous I put on a 30 or 40amp relay. No problems to date.

Rick

 

T

Texasmark1

Well-known Member

• Jun 10, 2015

• #1

Also get one of the ones with the plastic cover to keep the elements out. Some don't have a cover over the toggle handle, but molten silicon adhesive is poured down around the switch and the case accomplishing the same thing and the toggle metal handle is exposed. Switching functions are not hermetically sealed, although you can buy a military grade relay of said size that is fully hermetic.....glass to metal, soldered or fused seal on the electrical part. The toggle arm is poured in as mentioned. But you can buy a lot of the other for what this baby would cost you!

The plastic boot/ silicon pour in, keeps water out of the interior for those who leave their equipment out in the weather. Check out a marine after market parts supplier. iboats is one.