DC electrical switches ? What are you using ?

scanzel · July 08, 2015, 11:07:31 AM

What are you using for DC electrical switches. Need to start looking for some soon and would like some more info. Types, vendors etc.

Darkspeed · July 08, 2015, 11:20:17 AM

If I want it to last forever I use EAO > http://www.alliedelec.com/eao/ / http://eao.com/north-america/en_us

On budget I use > http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Search/Search?searchquery=switch&cmd=Search&fctype=adc.falcon.search.SearchFormCtrl&TxnNumber=-1#start=0&Product__F__Accessory_Type_ms=%22Pushbuttons%22&rows=10

bevans6 · July 08, 2015, 12:15:51 PM

It depends on the application. Switches are usually rated for a certain current load for AC and DC use, usually lower for DC since the interruption of a DC voltage can promote arcing. I prefer to try to find marine rated switch panels at marine salvage places and use those. If you want fancy switches that light up, which can be really handy, the link above looks to be a good one. I have been known to use automotive or truck rated switches from truck supply stores, if you get a brand name they can be quite good if not so industrial looking.

Brian

Darkspeed · July 08, 2015, 01:07:50 PM

These are my absolute favorite. These will never die > http://eao.com/north-america/en_us/series-82-vandal-resistant-pushbuttons/

bevans6 · July 08, 2015, 01:53:22 PM

99% of the switches I use are toggle switches. on/off, on/off/on, momentary on/off/on, momentary on/off/momentary on (hope I have the names right, been years since I had to ask for one at a counter). I need some with #10 screw terminals. Any ideas?

Brian

Darkspeed · July 08, 2015, 02:16:01 PM

Quote from: bevans6 on July 08, 2015, 01:53:22 PM
99% of the switches I use are toggle switches. on/off, on/off/on, momentary on/off/on, momentary on/off/momentary on (hope I have the names right, been years since I had to ask for one at a counter). I need some with #10 screw terminals. Any ideas?

Brian

All you could ever want > http://www.alliedelec.com/search/results.aspx?term=toggle+screw

luvrbus · July 08, 2015, 02:59:00 PM

Are we talking about wall switches for the house system ?

Iceni John · July 08, 2015, 04:05:51 PM

As a less-expensive alternative, Cole-Hersee and K-Four have decent US-made switches available from many different suppliers. My bus was originally all C-H from the factory, so that's what I try to use. For the house batteries I like the Blue Sea isolators, available from internet vendors for a lot less than their MSRP.

John

HB of CJ · July 08, 2015, 10:58:44 PM

Excellent subject matter and thank you. I suppose it would also enter into it a theme of type of visual impact. For example; If one were attempting an older Crown Supercoach ex school Bus Conversion, then the physical appearance of the switches, (if visible) would be important. They could be art deko retro or starship modern weird. But for the guts of the D/C system perhaps any type of proper D/C rated switch/breaker/auto reset would work. Just me. HB of CJ (old coot)

scanzel · July 09, 2015, 03:04:28 AM

Just to verify, yes switches for the wall to turn dc lights off/on. What switches do you use if you want to turn off/on a light from more than one location. I know in ac you have 3/4 way switches but I never see anything in dc .

luvrbus · July 09, 2015, 05:22:51 AM

Lowes or HD have the wall switches with the the AC/DC ratings you have to read the people in those places know nothing,the DC rated are always a snap type,but you cannot use the dimmer switches on DC.

The regular AC switches are fine as long as they snap the silent type have never worked good for me IMO

TedCalvert · July 09, 2015, 06:19:05 AM

Steve-

a 3-way or 4-way wiring scheme itself does not depend on whether it is carrying AC or DC. As previously stated, many household-type wall switches can be used. For the small load of a lamp or two, it will not be a problem. Do the math and check the ratings. But to CYA, check that it is DC rated. Many home wall switches will be rated at 15A@125VAC and 5-10A on DC. For larger loads such as in chassis systems, make sure the switch is rated for the load. AC dimmers will NOT work on DC. For that you will need DC dimmers. And their appearance surely won't match! Makes Crestron or a PLC look like a good, complicated option, lol.

For cases where the appearance of switch desired doesn't match the ratings required, use an appropriate relay.

I still have the Webasto in the box. I've been otherwise busy.

Regards,
Ted.

luvrbus · July 09, 2015, 06:44:02 AM

Most people are using LED lighting nowadays the AC switches work fine LED draws hardly any amps.

I have a box full of AC/DC 30 one way and 20- 3 way rated 15 amps on DC I may turn loose of when I get finished with my project

Darkspeed · July 09, 2015, 08:05:25 AM

If you are doing LED there are some really neat options > https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/controllers/

As well as some wireless "place anywhere" switches as well > https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/wireless/

TedCalvert · July 09, 2015, 12:15:56 PM

Very nice, Todd, that's what I've been looking for.
Thanks.

Ted