PC Power Switch - What's it called? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 10:40:27 am
content: What is this type of switch called? I'd like to order some but no idea where to start.Will probably need a mix of momentary and "latching" style ones. Current handling isn't important as it's running through an ATX power supply. It just needs that mounting bracket and actuator to fit most PC cases.

author: ethan_leonardo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 11:52:15 am
content: There is a very popular switch in the PC modding community called an Anti-Vandal switch. It's perfect because you only have to drill a hole and attach it with the nut included. Even better is it's designed for custom projects.Here is a good example. Most places sell momentary and latching.

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 01:03:33 pm
content: It's a fairly common switch type. I usually look for push-button switches.Maybe something similar:http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/TV5-Push-Button-Switch-MPS11-Series/320594_574697239.html?storeId=320594I've recently needed something like that for repairing vintage Hi-Fi:http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5pcs-Pushbutton-Switches-Sockets-with-16A-125V-AC-TV-5-Rating-UL-CSA-Approvals/1957516117.htmlIt's a direct replacement for the original Pioneer switch (sold on eBay for x10 the price).EDIT: Apparently, this series is a MPS11 and there are several variants. It's only Single Pole though, you may have to dig around for Double Pole

author: McBryce
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 01:15:30 pm
content: Bit expensive, but here's a source:http://www.pccables.com/products/03200.htmlInclude "AT" and "Case" in your search to avoid endless links to Network switches when you're searching.McBryce.

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 01:39:17 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on September 08, 2015, 10:40:27 amHow many do you need? And can you wait ?

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 01:52:43 pm
content: Note that a latching switch will not work with ATX as that expects a momentary power-on signal. It will just turn itself off a few seconds later.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 07:20:13 pm
content: Quote from: all_repair on September 08, 2015, 01:39:17 pmJust a handful or so, no rush. They are for my vintage PC projects :-)Quote from: amyk on September 08, 2015, 01:52:43 pmThe latching type works great with ATX to AT converter cables (in fact they are required). Power is only applied when you short the pins. When they are released power is off straight away. I'm guessing the motherboard does something similar as different boards have different timeouts and settings. (I'm talking about the actual power-on signalling pins on the ATX connector, not the pin header on the motherboard.)

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 07:35:39 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on September 08, 2015, 01:52:43 pmThe motherboard does, the PSU expects you to hold the line low.

author: McBryce
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 09:49:18 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on September 08, 2015, 01:52:43 pmOf course it will. I use an ATX PSU as a bench PSU on occassions and I just permanently short the green wire with a GND wire to turn it on.McBryce.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 10:06:02 pm
content: I expect you'll find that sort of switch available from several major manufacturers. It'd probably be most easily found by flipping through their catalogs. Cherry, Apem, C&K would be a good start.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2015, 03:53:06 am
content: Quote from: amyk on September 08, 2015, 01:52:43 pmIn under a minute, the push button type latching switch can be converted to non latching. Just pry up the tabs with a small screwdriver, remove the cover, remove the bit that makes it latch, then reassemble using pliers to reclose the tabs. Great for repurposing the power switches in some AV devices, such as the old DVD player I turned into a compact gaming/media PC.

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2015, 01:27:11 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on September 08, 2015, 07:20:13 pm

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2015, 03:18:23 pm
content: The switch in the picture you posted is an AT (rather than ATX) power switch. It normally handles mains voltage/current levels and is latching.This is anATX motherboard switchwhich is non latching:

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 09, 2015, 07:29:40 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on September 09, 2015, 03:18:23 pmYes that's right. Sorry I should have been more specific. I've been using ATX power supplies in some of my old computers which would normally take AT supplies. I have the requisite converter cables, it's just the switch doesn't always connect or fit properly with the spade connectors, a replacement latching switch is sometimes required. Just depends on the design of the case.