Having just purchased a van, I find that the 240v light does not work. I checked the light out with a couple of light bulbs that are OK and it would not come on. I suspect the switch. This is where the problem is. The switch is a push button switch similar to what you get on some older bed/desk lamps. It is a double pole with two wires in and 2 out. On checking with the local electrical supplies place on the Sunshine Coast, I am told that replacements are not available. On checking with the local caravan repair place they tell me that approx 5-6 years ago there was a fire in the factory where they make the double pole switch, the equipment was destroyed and has never been replaced.
I am able to obtain a single pole switch.
Any ideas as to what I can do?
Geoff
-- Edited by Umpie1 on Friday 7th of March 2014 05:02:15 PM
Happywanderer said
05:09 PM Mar 7, 2014
Can't you disconnect and throw out the whole switch replacing with a new modern one. If not an electrician could do it for you.
By the way welcome to the forum.
oldbobsbus said
05:11 PM Mar 7, 2014
You must use a double pole switch, I am sure when Brian or PeterQ comes along they will point you in the right direction.
I would give you more info but I am on very limited internet so just hang in for a little while and the boys will sort it all out for you..
KFT said
07:58 PM Mar 7, 2014
Bob Is quite correct you must use a double pole switch.
The push on push off switch I think you are referring to was commonly called a bed lamp switch.
I have been trying to find them on line but not having much luck at present.
frank
edit- this one from jaycar will do exactly the same job but requires a 20mm hole whereas the existing one would be a 10mm hole.
might get you out of trouble though and easy to fit
CAT. NO. SP0743
-- Edited by KFT on Friday 7th of March 2014 08:16:46 PM
Big Gorilla said
08:21 PM Mar 7, 2014
Firstly welcome to the Forum. I note you are at Pacific Paradise. Is that the Pacific Paradise near Maroochy Airport ? If so, there are a lot of electrical wholesalers in the Maroochydore area thru to Mooloolaba. Take the bed light to one of these wholesalers and ask them if they have a switch or a similiar one in stock. It must be double pole. If they have nothing suitable in stock, ask them if they can order you one in or where you can buy one. I'm sure you will get one to suit thru this channel. The second point is that it is illegal for you to replace the switch yourself. It is a job for a licensed electrician...
brian said
08:48 PM Mar 7, 2014
Umpie1 wrote:
Having just purchased a van, I find that the 240v light does not work. I checked the light out with a couple of light bulbs that are OK and it would not come on. I suspect the switch. This is where the problem is. The switch is a push button switch similar to what you get on some older bed/desk lamps. It is a double pole with two wires in and 2 out. On checking with the local electrical supplies place on the Sunshine Coast, I am told that replacements are not available. On checking with the local caravan repair place they tell me that approx 5-6 years ago there was a fire in the factory where they make the double pole switch, the equipment was destroyed and has never been replaced.
I am able to obtain a single pole switch.
Any ideas as to what I can do?
Geoff
-- Edited by Umpie1 on Friday 7th of March 2014 05:02:15 PM
Does it have to be a push button switch or could you easily replace it with a toggle type?
These are generally more reliable, and certainly more defined in their operation.
Have a look at the Jaycar online catalogue, part number SK-0981 is a square one, SK-0994 or SK-0966 are round ones for some examples.
They are double pole but also double throw, but will do what you need by just using one end as they are not centre off.
Measurement are included so you can see if they will fit.
Steer clear of the metal toggle ones shown in the catalogue unless your light fitting is earthed, although part number ST-0555 would be an exception
If you really want the original push button type, then Tobin Electrical in Sydney will likely be your best bet, the catalogue number pretty much for all suppliers of this switch is T661
Umpie1 said
12:05 PM Mar 11, 2014
Pleased to advise that I have had success on locating the elusive double pole push button switch. Tracked it down via the internet on the Rexel Electrical Supplies website and picked it up at their Maroochydore store. The part number is PBS236WE. A bit pricey @$20.76, but who can argue as I have got it.
Thanks to those wh gave suggestions. Much appreciated.
Geoff
brian said
12:54 PM Mar 11, 2014
Umpie1 wrote:
Pleased to advise that I have had success on locating the elusive double pole push button switch. Tracked it down via the internet on the Rexel Electrical Supplies website and picked it up at their Maroochydore store. The part number is PBS236WE. A bit pricey @$20.76, but who can argue as I have got it.
Thanks to those wh gave suggestions. Much appreciated.
Geoff
Sure was pricey. The info that I gave you to Tobin electrical would have secured it for you for $8.05 plus $6 post and handling.
Umpie1 said
01:55 PM Mar 11, 2014
That is true, however I supported a business on the Sunshine Coast and was quite happy to pay the extra. At least we now know that there are 2 businesses that we can get the item from.
brian said
02:52 PM Mar 11, 2014
Umpie1 wrote:
That is true, however I supported a business on the Sunshine Coast and was quite happy to pay the extra. At least we now know that there are 2 businesses that we can get the item from.
They really supported you at that price. I expect that wholesale for that item would have been about $3.
hako said
07:28 PM Mar 11, 2014
brian wrote:
SNIP
Sure was pricey. The info that I gave you to Tobin electrical would have secured it for you for $8.05 plus $6 post and handling.
Brian - the price you quoted from Tobins is trade price.
Having just purchased a van, I find that the 240v light does not work. I checked the light out with a couple of light bulbs that are OK and it would not come on. I suspect the switch. This is where the problem is. The switch is a push button switch similar to what you get on some older bed/desk lamps. It is a double pole with two wires in and 2 out. On checking with the local electrical supplies place on the Sunshine Coast, I am told that replacements are not available. On checking with the local caravan repair place they tell me that approx 5-6 years ago there was a fire in the factory where they make the double pole switch, the equipment was destroyed and has never been replaced.
I am able to obtain a single pole switch.
Any ideas as to what I can do?
Geoff
-- Edited by Umpie1 on Friday 7th of March 2014 05:02:15 PM
By the way welcome to the forum.
You must use a double pole switch, I am sure when Brian or PeterQ comes along they will point you in the right direction.
I would give you more info but I am on very limited internet so just hang in for a little while and the boys will sort it all out for you..
Bob Is quite correct you must use a double pole switch.
The push on push off switch I think you are referring to was commonly called a bed lamp switch.
I have been trying to find them on line but not having much luck at present.
frank
edit- this one from jaycar will do exactly the same job but requires a 20mm hole whereas the existing one would be a 10mm hole.
might get you out of trouble though and easy to fit
CAT. NO. SP0743
-- Edited by KFT on Friday 7th of March 2014 08:16:46 PM
Firstly welcome to the Forum. I note you are at Pacific Paradise. Is that the Pacific Paradise near Maroochy Airport ? If so, there are a lot of electrical wholesalers in the Maroochydore area thru to Mooloolaba. Take the bed light to one of these wholesalers and ask them if they have a switch or a similiar one in stock. It must be double pole. If they have nothing suitable in stock, ask them if they can order you one in or where you can buy one. I'm sure you will get one to suit thru this channel. The second point is that it is illegal for you to replace the switch yourself. It is a job for a licensed electrician...
Does it have to be a push button switch or could you easily replace it with a toggle type?
These are generally more reliable, and certainly more defined in their operation.
Have a look at the Jaycar online catalogue, part number SK-0981 is a square one, SK-0994 or SK-0966 are round ones for some examples.
They are double pole but also double throw, but will do what you need by just using one end as they are not centre off.
Measurement are included so you can see if they will fit.
Steer clear of the metal toggle ones shown in the catalogue unless your light fitting is earthed, although part number ST-0555 would be an exception
If you really want the original push button type, then Tobin Electrical in Sydney will likely be your best bet, the catalogue number pretty much for all suppliers of this switch is T661
Pleased to advise that I have had success on locating the elusive double pole push button switch. Tracked it down via the internet on the Rexel Electrical Supplies website and picked it up at their Maroochydore store. The part number is PBS236WE. A bit pricey @$20.76, but who can argue as I have got it.
Thanks to those wh gave suggestions. Much appreciated.
Geoff
Sure was pricey. The info that I gave you to Tobin electrical would have secured it for you for $8.05 plus $6 post and handling.
That is true, however I supported a business on the Sunshine Coast and was quite happy to pay the extra. At least we now know that there are 2 businesses that we can get the item from.
They really supported you at that price. I expect that wholesale for that item would have been about $3.
Brian - the price you quoted from Tobins is trade price.