SP3T (On)-On-(On) switch

Iceni John · January 06, 2023, 08:21:22 PM

I want to replace a SPDT rocker switch in my Paneltronics DC circuit breaker panel with a SP3T Momentary On - On - Momentary On switch, i.e. the center position is the default, with the other two positions used only when needed. I've not found a suitable switch, but Mouser has a hack to convert a DPDT to what I want by connecting pins 3 and 5. Has anyone here done anything like this? I don't fully understand Mouser's hack!

Thanks, John

Jim Blackwood · January 07, 2023, 08:30:31 AM

Have you looked at Digi-key?

I don't understand your description. are you sure you aren't looking for MOM-OFF-MOM?
Having the center on just means you could use a straight wire instead?

Jim

luvrbus · January 07, 2023, 09:07:27 AM

Blue Sea should have that switch I had one in Blue Sea panel, on mine the center was hot all the time up and down were momentary,I am sure they could be wired to work different but that was the way mine was wired from Blue Sea

Iceni John · January 07, 2023, 09:44:29 AM

Quote from: Jim Blackwood on January 07, 2023, 08:30:31 AM
Have you looked at Digi-key?

I don't understand your description. are you sure you aren't looking for MOM-OFF-MOM?
Having the center on just means you could use a straight wire instead?

Jim

Digi-Key and Mouser both show many possible switches, but they're all out of stock. The switch is for my DC panel's voltage gauge: I want it to normally show the house DC voltage, but to also optionally show each of the two battery banks' voltages. The switch there now only shows the battery banks' voltages; it has no center position output to also show the house voltage. Another complication is that the switch needs to be smaller than the typical Carling / Cole-Hersee 1.45" x 0.8" rocker switch. Nothing's easy!

John

Iceni John · January 07, 2023, 09:47:03 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on January 07, 2023, 09:07:27 AM
Blue Sea should have that switch I had one in Blue Sea panel, on mine the center was hot all the time up and down were momentary,I am sure they could be wired to work different but that was the way mine was wired from Blue Sea

Thanks! I'll check out Blue Sea. I suspect that their breaker panels are made for them by Paneltronics.

John

luvrbus · January 07, 2023, 06:29:43 PM

Quote from: Iceni John on January 07, 2023, 09:44:29 AM
Digi-Key and Mouser both show many possible switches, but they're all out of stock. The switch is for my DC panel's voltage gauge: I want it to normally show the house DC voltage, but to also optionally show each of the two battery banks' voltages. The switch there now only shows the battery banks' voltages; it has no center position output to also show the house voltage. Another complication is that the switch needs to be smaller than the typical Carling / Cole-Hersee 1.45" x 0.8" rocker switch. Nothing's easy!

John

Mine monitored the house bank all the time and you pushed up for the starting battery and down for generator battery,I think mine used shunts for the digital gauges not really sure now it's been so long

chessie4905 · January 08, 2023, 04:42:12 AM

you could add two momentary switches, and replace that one with a spst.

richard5933 · January 09, 2023, 08:07:16 AM

I think I bought a toggle switch like that from Luke at one point - my memory says it was used on the rear start control panel.

Iceni John · January 09, 2023, 11:48:50 AM

Quote from: chessie4905 on January 08, 2023, 04:42:12 AM
you could add two momentary switches, and replace that one with a spst.

Unfortunately space is at a premium where the switch needs to be - there's room for only a small rocker switch there. Besides, if possible I want to keep the panel looking like it came from Paneltronics that way, without lots of obviously-added-on switches. I always like modifying things so that they still look original from the outside, with all the changes hidden from view.

John