Switch - 3pos (sources) to 1-load - "off" not needed - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: rlaggren
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 10:14:59 pm
content: What manufacturers would be good to look at? What keywords would help?The application is fairly trivial - switching sources to an LED voltage meter, 8-14 volts DC, maybe 200ma(?). It would be nice if it were spec'd as break-b4-make. Otherwise I need to review the circuits and maybe test more. The panel is in a dry but sometimes humid environment on a boat in salt water; no splashing or wet water.I don't like toggle switches much - don't want the industrial look and the operation characteristics doesn't appeal. Good, moderately large rocker switch would be preferred. Rotary switch would be fine and probably easiest to source.There's no need for a 4th, "OFF" position. This panel is permanently powered up from a battery and thus I want the meter offline by default. It will be read using a momentary push switch (ideas for good quality there are also most welcome). There _are_ other parasitic loads, I just don't want to add anything not necessary.I have developed a serious dislike for crap electronics parts and pieces, but I don't have the experience to know where to look for good switches. Based on the last couple months, I've found that starting from scratch, research can take a lot of time. Hoping some direction can speed the process a bit. I guess sourcing from one of the better known suppliers would be part of it, but I've found their sites can sometimes have about 10 times as much information and detail and choices as I can comprehend w/out doing a study of that particular parts field. Mouser, Waytek, Grainger, MDC (or something - gotta look it up) Digicorp (?) and a couple others do clearly carry decent enough parts. The trick is zeroing in.Any/all thought much appreciated. ThanksRufus

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2025, 11:50:13 pm
content: I like Grayhill rotary switches, which are a bit pricey.However, eBay has a lot of them at moderate price.Almost all rotary switches are break-before-make (or non-shorting).The other kind (shorting) have their uses, but are less popular.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 24, 2025, 12:05:04 am
content: A rocker switch with 3 connected states? Can't say I've come across one - but then I've never really looked for one.Quote from: TimFox on February 23, 2025, 11:50:13 pmIndeed - pretty much the default. (Finding make-before-break switches usually requires a deliberate search.)Another possibility is a slide switch.Whatever format you go for, the biggest challenge will be surviving in humid salty air. Direct contact with water is not necessary for exposed electrical connections to suffer horribly. If you can locate something that says "hermetically sealed" and/or are rated for marine environments, then you've got a good chance.Brand of product will be more the subject of your investigations - then source things from reputable suppliers to ensure you get genuine product. I'd like to offer you brand suggestions - but I've not had the experience to give recommendations. However, I'm sure there are several members here who could give pointers.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2025, 12:12:15 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on February 24, 2025, 12:05:04 amThat's why a toggle switch might be better suited for your application, since it's enclosed. Most rotary switches are of the open "wafer" type where the contacts are totally exposed.I wonder if you could cobble together some kind of cover to glue over the back of the switch once it's wired to try to keep the humid/salt air away from the contacts? A plastic container attached with some kind of caulk?

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2025, 12:15:11 am
content: lorlin cks range of switches are ip67 rated,so should be pretty watertight.https://lorlinelectronics.co.uk/?product=cks

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2025, 12:52:22 am
content: APEM 6000 series.Yes, they're toggle switches, but offer accessories like water-proof rubber boots on the lever. Top quality, but not Wal-Mart price.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2025, 01:06:22 am
content: I go with Schneider Electric Harmony XB4 series switches. But I am not sure which are the 3 positions. You can order custom legend plate for the switch too.

author: rlaggren
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 26, 2025, 11:42:54 pm
content: Guys.Thanks greatly to all. Sorry for the delayed reply. Thought I had email notification, guess I better look at that...The comments about salt air exposure get my attention. I think some of the switches I've seen have IP numbers in the IP67-68 ranges, but have to go back and search again. I decided to look at this one as a low-bar starter option. Didn't consider the salt air issue, but otherwise it looks ok. I got it from DigiKey because their filters seemed to work better for me. But for displaying product, the links below look better.https://www.tme.eu/en/details/h20307rr05q/rotary-switches/c-k/and specs herehttps://www.tme.eu/Document/9b1c2341830bf0383e5551b17ff4f7ed/H20307RR05Q.pdfIf I ordered right, I got one with a half/flat shaft and so I got a knob for that.There is _lot_ of options to wade through out there and the product filters for the big vendors seem to show hundreds or... or 2-3 pieces. For me, so far, anyway. That's what I meant about DigiKey site working better for me; at least I got some plausible options.Well, TBD. I think the parcel has arrived at the box but I've been coughing and wheezing non-stop for the last 6 days. And I'm normally pretty healthy; had a clean covid test 7days ago, too. People who mindlessly decide to take their frustrations and anger and trash the whole medical community are going to reap the whirlwind. There is stuff out there now that folks from late 20th century never had to deal with. Good f*kg luck to us all...