Brennenstuhl switches - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: kcs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2017, 12:33:54 pm
content: I have bought a few of Brennenstuhl Eco-Line extensions. While I liked their construction, the rocker switch they use are very bad quality. Two of them have failed for me under very light use within short period of time. I have searched for high quality replacement, but could not find anything with right dimensions.In case someone is interested, Brennenstuhl usesSoken RK1-01for its Eco-Line extensions (most likely the same switch for other extensions as well). I have measured cutout dimensions with digital caliper and attaching my drawing as well as info about that switch.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 05:12:43 pm
content: That switch style is a standard size part, there are plenty of replacement manufacturers of better quality ones available.

author: markce
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 05:49:17 pm
content: Had the same issue with Brennenstuhl here. One was actually sparking.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 05:54:15 pm
content: Me too, the brand sounds expensive but it is cheap crap. The contacts are minimalistic thin, mine had a lightning protection that made lightning on its own.On the same foot, I bought mains contacts on a fleamarket from the 70s.Opened them up and they had thick brass folded double back so it will not bend out (wear).They just don't make that wuality anymore.Have Berker, Jung and couple of other brands and they all went the cheap as possible route but the price is not in balance too high.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 05:54:57 pm
content: Arcoelectric switches are decent.http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rocker-switches/3779759/

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 06:13:59 pm
content: First class switches:https://www.marquardt-switches.com/index.html?&no_cache=1&L=0

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 06:56:33 pm
content: Quote from: madires on July 30, 2017, 06:13:59 pmYes, but do they have the proper size? Marquardt was my first thought and I did check their web site in response to the OP, but could only find smaller and larger switch models. (During a superficial check only, however.)

author: komet
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 07:05:05 pm
content: I bought a Brennenstuhl power strip and one of the wires to the switch had actually broken off and was flapping around. Piss-poor quality.

author: kcs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 09:07:33 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on July 30, 2017, 05:12:43 pmName one part number that could be used as a replacement and which could be bought from DigiKey, Farnell, Mouser, TME.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 09:10:47 pm
content: Quote from: kcs on July 30, 2017, 09:07:33 pmYou already had a part number over the link I posted. Should be on tme and Farnell too.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 09:13:57 pm
content: Quote from: komet on July 30, 2017, 07:05:05 pmThey are pretty crappy, but they do look nice. They put a lot of effort into deluxe looking casings.

author: kcs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 09:17:26 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on July 30, 2017, 09:10:47 pmThat one will not fit. Its bezel is 25x31.5 while the max height should be 30.6.

author: kcs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 09:22:32 pm
content: Quote from: coppice on July 30, 2017, 09:13:57 pmI would not mind paying twice the price or more for a high quality extensions, which could last for a long time. I have tried a few expensive brands (Famatel; cannot remember other), but they all were made to no last.

author: kcs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2017, 12:34:09 pm
content: And don't be fooled by their Premium-Line extensions that have a different switch and are advertised as made in Germany (hence 5 years warranty). While built quality is better, the same rocker switch is used but with a different cap, as you can see from the photos.Update: I have opened one more Eco-Line extension that I have bought just a few weeks ago. It has a different switch (part number: Dong GongDG-KA25), but I don't have much confidence in its quality as well.