Heavy toggle switches

[fixerupper]

Do any of you guys have a suggestion for an online electrical supply that carries a good selection of heavy duty 20 amp 12V toggle switches? I've searched for an hour and a half and have not come up with a site that carries a suitable selection. One company I do get a lot of connectors and other electrical supplies from doesn't seem to have much for switches so that place is out of contention. I have bought from another site that had page upon page of every type of toggle switch under the sun but for the life of me I can't remember the name of the outfit. Any suggestions out there?

 

[PJH]

Jim - how about adding a relay to the circuit?

 

[Steve@Advance]

Try this place, or Ebay.
Switches

 

[JD Seller]

The trouble I have is 90% of them are China built and do not last very long. I have switched to relays and lighter duty switches.

 

[John730D]

Surplus Center

 

[fixerupper]

Maybe I should have said heavy service instead of heavy duty. I want a switch that will make contact for several years instead of only several days no matter what the amperage. I have added relays to circuits and it helps, especially for multiple work lights on feed trailers but the poor workmanship in the toggle switch still makes for a less than desirable experience. Do marine grade switches have a longer lifetime or are they just an ordinary switch that is waterproofed?

 

[Ted in NE-OH]

NAPA

 

[Dalex]

I bought some toggle switches from Del City ...

 

[js305]

Your best bet is to use relays, even with better switches. One problem is that most switches are rated at AC voltages, 120/250. If you find a switch that is rated at both DC and AC voltage you will find that the DC rating is much lower. 12 or 24 volts DC will wear the points faster at higher amperages.

There are some 70 amp rated relays that look much like horn relays. They work really well. One brand is the NTE R51-1D70-12F. It takes a little rewiring in some instances, but replacing switches will go away.

Not mentioned is the environment. If a switch is subjected to water and dirt there isn't much that will help it. Marine switches are somewhat better but not by much, and they usually cost a lot more as well.

 

[Jaden]

Look at Allied Electronics. The have numerous choices for 20, 25 amp, etc.

 

[Dusty MI]

You might try using a 2 pole switch and wire the 2 contacts in parallel. I would think that would give the switch up to twice the current capacity.

Dusty

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I was at our local Covered bridge festival this fall and picked up two 50 amp toggle switches. I'll try to post back the name on switch.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I picked up some cheap car relays off ebay. They are rated at 30 amps.

 

[guido]

Hello fixerupper,

A 20 amp circuit draws about 15 amps or so, a relay should do the job. The switch does not carry much
current to pull the relay contacts in. I would make sure the wiring is the correct size and all cannectors
are making good electrical contact, including the ground,

Guido.

 

[Greg K]

Have you looked into a pushbutton switch?
Maybe one of the rubber covered weatherproof
ones?

 

[Russ from MN]

Maybe Digi-key?

 

[Geo-TH,In]

When looking for things the first place I go is eBay or Amazon. Many 50 amp toggle switches on eBay.

I purchased 6 40 amp relays with sockets off eBay for about $3.50 each. Had to wait 6 weeks for boat to arrive from China, but they are good.

eBay

 

[Dune Country]

McMaster Carr or Cole Hersee from napa

 

[fixerupper]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I need to order a dozen or more switches so I don't want to be stuck with a bunch of junk. What I don't want is a switch I have to jiggle to make work right out of the box, or a switch that blinks if I jiggle it. I have worked with relays for years, I have them on hand and the plugins to go with them. Most of these switches are going in trucks so they need to be reliable and rugged. We use switches with the ball bat handle instead of the flat handle. The drivers snap off the flat handled switches for some reason.

A year ago I needed a push-pull switch for the ignition on an old tractor I use a lot. I got a new one at the auto parts store, stuck it on and after it got wet the first time it got cranky. I then decided it was time to get something good so I ordered a $25 sealed switch from a marine electrical supply. The new switch is strong, feels smooth, the detents feel clean and authoritative, and it works every time. That's what I am looking for in toggles.

 

[luv2wrench]

Pollak switches. The brand pollak. Been in business for years
Factory stuff

 

[Ark68SS]

Aircraft quality stuff here-
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/search/search.php?s=TOGGLE+SWITCHS&x=0&y=0

Planes run on 28 volt systems, so you should be able to find something like you want.
BillL

 

[T in NE]

Spot lights on the back of the trailer?
Replace them with good LED. Switches will
last longer and your drivers will thank
you.

Marine grade are just waterproof.

 

[ETxJohn]

Try Mouser Electronics Mansfield, TX. Most any kind of switch you need.