Electrical Switches

Ian M · 17 April 2007, 19:19

I know it is trivial, but I cannot find any decent electrical switches for the console of the new RIB. I have got some totally waterproof ones, but they look pants, and the action is less than positive.
Has anyone got any recommendations?

Hugh Jardon · 17 April 2007, 19:48

the ones i fitted to mine seemed to have been fine and have a positive action and were not too expensive, did you consider these or are they the ones you have already purchased? there is a pick on my build thread

Biggles · 17 April 2007, 20:03

Ian,

I use these. Nice action and can be made to show different bits of equipment they operate.

http://www.seamarknunn.com/catalog/items/item3917.htm

http://www.seamarknunn.com/catalog/items/item4498.htm

Regards Nick.

al40 · 17 April 2007, 20:11

I got some 10Amp toggle switches from maplin with waterproof covers. Good solid feel. I made a stianless steel panel to put them in and they look fine.

Switches - http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...=2360&doy=17m4

Cover - http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...=2358&doy=17m4

Only issue is they probably won't fit through a std console as the shaft on switch isn't that long but if they are being fitted to a panel it's fine.

Alternatively the marine rocker switches are good but expensive!

bedajim · 17 April 2007, 21:19

Hi

I used these

http://www.moltengold.com/cgi-bin/eB...ectrics.co.uk/

From index marine part no. E-4410/4

James

Hightower · 17 April 2007, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Ian,

I use these. Nice action and can be made to show different bits of equipment they operate.

http://www.seamarknunn.com/catalog/items/item3917.htm

http://www.seamarknunn.com/catalog/items/item4498.htm

Regards Nick.

Does any water get behind the dash and into the console with these switches Nick? They look very modular and where the housings clip together it looks like a possible water ingress point.

benc · 17 April 2007, 22:18

I heard the ones from Blue Sea Systems are quite good.

http://bluesea.com/

Sixy_the_red · 18 April 2007, 08:35

Any switch with an IP rating of 67 or 68 will be fully waterproof if installed correctly. RS components is a good place to look www.rswww.com. What you're looking for is an "IP67 (68) rated panel mount switch".

I think you need an account to buy online but I think you can still use the trade counter.

Simon B · 18 April 2007, 10:22

A lot of Land Rover owners like Carling too (and the switches);

Mudstuff

I've used the Blue Marine kit, it comes mounted and ready wired on a backplate with fuses (10 amp glass cartridge) and a neoprene gasket. Also has the decals included so is reasonable value compared to the stuff separate. I think Farnell or Maplin do spare fuse holders if the originals go the way of all things salty about £2:00 ea last time I bought one.

Poly · 18 April 2007, 11:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixy_the_red

I think you need an account to buy online but I think you can still use the trade counter.

they take c/cards on line

Sixy_the_red · 18 April 2007, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

they take c/cards on line

Even better.

Biggles · 18 April 2007, 13:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Does any water get behind the dash and into the console with these switches Nick? They look very modular and where the housings clip together it looks like a possible water ingress point.

I haven't noticed any water coming through the bulkhead. I had four fitted by the previous owner(s) and two I have done myself. My two were fitted after being smeared in silicone sealent so they should be fine. They are a tight fit when fitted so should keep water out. They are sold as waterproof and seem to be.

Simon B · 18 April 2007, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

I haven't noticed any water coming through the bulkhead. I had four fitted by the previous owner(s) and two I have done myself. My two were fitted after being smeared in silicone sealent so they should be fine. They are a tight fit when fitted so should keep water out. They are sold as waterproof and seem to be.

Not a bad idea, however, I would avoid doing what we tried and lubed the gasket with silicone grease - this leads to the gasket trying to slight out if the surface it is being clamped to is curved. They should be good enought with just the gasket fitted.

Donnie144 · 08 May 2007, 19:25

I'll put in another vote for Blue Sea I'm using their 12 switch fused ganged panel and have been really happy with it.

Hightower · 27 May 2007, 03:40

What have you guys done about circuit breakers and fuses. Built in or seperate? Breakers or Fuses?

Also being a bit nosey, what sorts of equipment do you operate using the switches?

I can only think of Nav lights, Deck lights and bilge pump

Chris · 27 May 2007, 07:59

Andy I have one of the Blue Sea Systems Panel with built in fuses and 6 switches.

GPS
Bilge
VHF
Accessory Socket (I have a Bulgin socket on the Console for spotlights etc)
Running Lights
Work Light (on the Aframe)

Chris

Neil Harvey · 27 May 2007, 09:51

Andy,

I only have the nav lights, anchor light, bilge pump and horn through the panel. The GPS is on there as well until we can connect it to the ignition (so the engine hours monitor works).

We decided that the VHF should be independant and only goes through the battery isolator as it has it's own fuses.

Rogue Wave · 27 May 2007, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by benc

I heard the ones from Blue Sea Systems are quite good.

http://bluesea.com/

I do believe that's an understatement! the Blue sea systems are excellent

Aquafax sell em

Hightower · 27 May 2007, 19:18

So is anyone using the circuit breaker switches? This seems Ideal for a boat as there's no faffing about with fuses if an intermittent fault strikes.

Rogue Wave · 27 May 2007, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

So is anyone using the circuit breaker switches? This seems Ideal for a boat as there's no faffing about with fuses if an intermittent fault strikes.

As it happens Andy Billy is being rewired at the moment and we are fitting two six way circuit breaker panels amongst other products. We could do with some advice about constructing the panels. Fancy getting involved?