Another "lighted switch" wiring question

As I've already mentioned in other threads, I am building a single-tier, semi-auto, recirculating brew system.

The automation is being handled by the ECC 460, which has also been mentioned in several threads on here.

I also want to be able to manually control the two pumps and two solenoid valves with physical switches.

My current option is to use lighted switches which in theory, are rated for 125v, 16amps. I say "in theory" because I purchased them from ...

"Radio Shack - You've got questions, we've got blank stares".

There's no pinout or wiring schematic on the package. When I asked the counter drone if he knew anything about it, his response was "um, we're not technicians, we really don't know much about that stuff". Hmm, so I say "What about the "you've got questions, we've got answers" motto?" "Well, not THOSE kind of answers. You might try checking google" which is apparently Radio Shack's new product documentation system.

Anyway, heres a pic. It has three pins marked 1, 2, 3. Next to the third pin it appears to say "+ -". Anyone have any idea how to wire this?

Thanks!
Michael

Do you have a multi meter? If so, turn the switch to on and check for continuity between 2 poles. once you find it, use those 2 for the switch and the other one is ground.

If you don't have a multimeter, you can use something that's low voltage and try to switch it. (don't use high voltage, bad things could happen)

Sorry Mike,
Can't pull up the pics.
-David

Welcome, brother.

What is the part #?

Cheers,
ClaudiusB

If its a transparent rocker, it is probably a neon spdt dwitch. I would assume 2 is the common and 1 and 3 are the switched. I think the light will come on when switched toward the "+/-" side.

If you dont already have a multimeter.. buy one. You shouldnt be doing any sort of wiring without one.. and they are only like 20 bucks.

You should be able to find the switch at radioshack.com, and post a link here.

I can't see the pic either.

But, not to piss in your cheerios, but Mouser Electronics - Electronic Component Distributor probably has the same exact switches for a lot less. Plus, they have some sexy ones that wouldn't be caught dead hanging out at radio smack!

B

Just guessing but I have some switches that sound like the ones you described. The light does not come on when the switch is on showing a comlete circuit. The light is meant to be on all the time to find the switch in the dark. To light the light hook up a neut. to the third post. I bought some seperate lights and mounted them next to my switches to show when the switch is on. Just wire them in series, hope this helps.

+ 1 to Bad Coffee and the Mouser prost. I spent some time there after the intro from Bad Coffee and, as a wiring newb, and I've got a number of things on the way. First on the list - a multimeter.

First on the list - a multimeter.

Click to expand...

Good man. it is such a useful tool to have around anyway.

Just guessing but I have some switches that sound like the ones you described. The light does not come on when the switch is on showing a comlete circuit. The light is meant to be on all the time to find the switch in the dark.

Click to expand...

This is a cool description of a not so conventional wiring.
I can see myself going to Radio Shack asking for a switch with "Find me in the dark feature"

You can wire any lighted switch to act like yours.
Nothing wrong putting a few extra lights, I do it all the time.

Just my 10 cents (2 cents adjusted for inflation)

Cheers,
ClaudiusB

tipicreeper said:

Sorry Mike,
Can't pull up the pics.
-David

Click to expand...

Sorry guys! I forgot to add homebrewtalk.com to my .htaccess list to allow the pics to display. Should work now!

The switch is supposed to light when "on". Of course this is according to Radio Shack. Here's the link: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062522

Thanks!
Michael

With 3 pins, having the light on all the time or only when switch is on is as easy as changing which side of the switch the hot wire is on.

If you have ground and hot on the same side as the little light, it will be on all the time. If you switch the hot wire with the load, the light will only get power when the circuit is completed.

Am I missing something?

Linc

To illuminate the light when switch is on
Pin 2 = line
Pin 1 = load
Pin 3 = Neutral
To illuminate the light all the time
Pin 2 = load
Pin 1 = line
Pin 3 = Neutral

tipicreeper said:

To illuminate the light when switch is on
Pin 2 = line
Pin 1 = load
Pin 3 = Neutral
To illuminate the light all the time
Pin 2 = load
Pin 1 = line
Pin 3 = Neutral

Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply! I'll be giving it a try very soon and post the results.

Michael