Name for an electrical switch

mptaszynski · Oct 26, 2018

I need to find a 2 position toggle switch that will handle 2 circuits on my tractor. It needs to connect circuit #1 while
disconnecting circuit #2 in position "A" and the opposite for position "B". Is there a name for such a switch? If I knew
the name then I can do a Google search or Ebay. Thanks in advance!

jeffcat · Oct 26, 2018

Double pole double trow.

jeffcat · Oct 26, 2018

This is how the connections would look. Just leave those two outer terminals open. You can also get ones that have a neutral or off center position. That way no connections are made till you click it one way or the other. Think of it as a safe position. You want to see crazy, I have needed to wire up 120 / 240 volt and reversable drive motor switches. You need nine terminal switches with double jumpers to get that to work. Yours is simple. Have fun.

Butch(OH) · Oct 26, 2018

If I understand you correctly you have two loads to control where there is never a time when you want both on? If so that would be a single pole double throw switch. You woukd apply 12V to the center lug and your two circuits to the end lugs.

Butch(OH) · Oct 26, 2018

Sorry , I thought I had this attached to my first post.

buickanddeere · Oct 26, 2018

(quoted from post at 15:19:49 10/26/18) Double pole double trow.

Single pole double throw would work but I would still go with the double pole double throw you suggested . Costs close to the same , not much larger and leaves room for future usage .

Butch(OH) · Oct 26, 2018

Also important is if you need a center off position? That would be a three position switch, some are two position with no detented off position in the middle.

jeffcat · Oct 26, 2018

Well he says two circuts so a double pole double throw gives you a
pure way to control it. I assumed seperate fuses, feeds, and loads.
You want real excitement. A novice electrician tried hooking a three
way with a 277 three phase leg to leg. Kinda made a bigger hole in the
wall where the switch box fit.

jeffcat · Oct 26, 2018

We can also get into shorting and non shorting switches. Electronics can get even crazier than electrical. Vertually every switch in a tractor is non shorting. Just thinking.

Steve@Advance · Oct 26, 2018

Assuming you want an off position in the middle.
SPDT Switch

Crazy Horse · Oct 26, 2018

Not that it matters but unless I missed something, what is it that you are doing, fixing, or building? Idle curiosity on my part.

Crazy Horse · Oct 26, 2018

Jeffcat ..... in your diagram, are the two middle lines (one from the top, the other from the bottom) a common source?

mptaszynski · Oct 26, 2018

WD Allis Chalmers: Circuit #1 magneto to ground to shut off tractor, Circuit #2 Hot power to an accessory to be on when tractor is on but off when tractor is off. So I don't need a middle position. Thanks for all the replies, I know where to start now!

Butch(OH) · Oct 26, 2018

Well know that we know what you are trying to do that will indeed require a double pole double throw switch because of grounding the mag.

4play · Oct 26, 2018

(quoted from post at 18:10:07 10/26/18) WD Allis Chalmers: Circuit #1 magneto to ground to shut off tractor, Circuit #2 Hot power to an accessory to be on when tractor is on but off when tractor is off. So I don't need a middle position. Thanks for all the replies, I know where to start now!

Yes, you need a double pole double throw (DPDT) and you will use both middle terminals a one outer terminal on each row but opposite sides from each other. Basically the magneto grounds with toggle one way, accessory circuit powered with toggle the other way right?

CKT A, magneto circuit, the middle terminal will need to go to tractor/ground, on the same row pick a side and that terminal goes to the magneto

CKT B On the other row, you will need + power on the middle terminal, and hook accessory circuit to opposite side as the magneto circuit.

4play · Oct 26, 2018

(quoted from post at 17:58:19 10/26/18) Jeffcat ..... in your diagram, are the two middle lines (one from the top, the other from the bottom) a common source?

No, they are not. The center terminals perform same function just seperated by the upper/lower row. They can share the same power or ground source but both terminals still need to be hooked up. They can have different power circuits or one power and one ground if needed.

mptaszynski · Oct 26, 2018

Thanks to all, especially 4play who lined out exactly which terminals needed which wires. Once I knew what I needed I was able to rifle through the electrical junk drawer ( doesn't everyone have one?) where I happened to have one. I found a used one and 15 minutes later I'm done and it works exactly like I wanted. Cost of parts: $0, working tractor: priceless. You guys are the bomb!!

Bob · Oct 26, 2018

Grab a keyed ignition switch for a garden tractor that has "magneto" ignition.

Will do EXACTLY what you need, plus will be somewhat tamper-proof with the key removed.

K-Mo · Oct 27, 2018

Source for switches.
Parts Express

Name for an electrical switch

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