Hot Rods I Need Better Toggle Switches!

Not all of the old stuff is up to snuff. I am working on a slightly off topic convertible (69 GTO) and the original top motor switch failed. I replaced it with a reproduction switch that also promptly failed. I am now installing relays like the factory should have 50 years ago.

 

Did you check the amp draw of your motor , could be its pulling more than the system was designed for...

 

Another place to try is Del City. Lots of choices for style and features. Listed by duty rating and also by brand. Among others they carry Carling and Cole-Hersey. And the relay advice isn't a bad idea.

 

Also try a GOOD Marine supply place. If they can stand up to humidity, salt h2o, etc. they will work for you.

 

Ya, that's the point they all pull more than the switch can handle. I drilled out the rivets and took the switch apart. The internal leads are small enough that it could be used as a fuse.

 

Try Digi-Key, Mouser Electronics, or Newark Electronics.
https://www.digikey.com
https://www.mouser.com
https://www.newark.com

 

Oh and more to topic, West Marine for Blue Sea or Sea Choice switches.

 

When selecting switches for a motor load, size the switch to at least 150 to 200% of the running current. This will give enough 'headroom' for the inrush current that all motor loads have. It's the current spikes that kill the switches, generally not the running current.

 

Waytek has good stuff https://www.waytekwire.com/products/1406/Switches/

 

There is a lot of good information in these posts. I'm gonna make me a list and lay in a few pieces.

 

https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/7/36/Switches/Toggle_Switches

 

Re your signature: The most dangerous man in the world. Is the man who doesn't know he doesn't know. This is likely a man who isn't married.

 

Yes, get married and you'll be well informed.

 

Same question here. (retired Freightliner employee)

 

NAPA - No American Parts Available

 

^^I picked up the Echlin switch today that the warehouse sent to my local store. Picture on the website said made in USA. The switch I got, yep, made in China. This was no surprise at all.

 

Did you leave that POS there, or did you buy it anyway?

 

I needed the damn thing and I decided to see if maybe a chinese Echlin switch is a little better than a chinese NAPA house brand switch. This shit is getting pretty bad.

 

Relays

 

There are good parts made in China. The problem is though, from the outside of a switch, it's not always apparent if the switch was made to a spec based on quality or price.

 

My vote is that they are made to a price point.

 

Old ones were good. The new ones have a very breakable plastic toggle

 

The physical size difference between a 10a. toggle switch, and a 40a. is small. I always buy the largest amperage toggle switches I can find, as they just last longer. But also be careful when buying toggle switches to make sure they are 12vdc rated! A 10a. 12vdc toggle is much heavier than a 10a. 120vac rated toggle. And the 12vdc 10a is 10x heavier than the same 10a. 120vac rated toggle!

 

There is that.

 

I recently bought a couple of momentary on toggle switches off of eBay because I couldn't find any decent ones around here. They were made in England of all places! Very well built switches, just like the old ones.

 

Both my hotrods have American Autowire kits powering them. The wire itself is above reproach, but the headlight and igniton switches are crap. Used the ig. switch from '70's Luv truck. It works great. The headlight switch is being replaced when I find a real one.

 

I have had good luck with the switches from Lowes. Go to their electrical aisle.

 

I finally settled on Cole Hersee switches ordered online. I've bought maybe 20 of em, toggle and push button starter switches. No duds yet, mostly made in Mexico.

 

I don't bother with auto parts store switches anymore, every toggle switch I've bought from every big chain has died... the O'Reilly button running the starter in my OT Dart lasted for 3 days. I only use salvaged vintage switches now. You can get big lots of good made in America switches taken out of old marine or aircraft avionics panels or industrial equipment for pretty cheap on ebay. They will work forever.

 

Cole Hersee is good stuff. I’ve been very happy with CH electrical parts.