how to wire a rocker switch

Diy_Ambitious · 3rd January 2005, 08:26 AM

I've got this 10A 250VAC rocker switch that lights up and theres 3 terminals marked 1,2 and 3. Is this how to wire it ?

1) will be 240VAC in.
2) 240VAC output.
3) Ground , so does it go to safety earth ?

does it matter if its LIVE or NEUTRAL for the AC in ?

Thanks.

Centauri · 3rd January 2005, 10:07 AM

DON'T connect any of the pins to ground - ground (earth) is for safety and sheilding, NOT return current.

First you will have to identify the terminals - numbering is at the discretion of the manufacturer. With a multimeter measuring ohms, take readings between each of the switch pins with the switch in both on and off positions. You will find that there is an effective open circuit (no reading) on one pin - this is the internal neon connection. Connect this to mains NEUTRAL.

Connect mains ACTIVE to one of the other pins - if the light goes on and off when you activate the switch, it is the correct pin. If the light stays on all the time, change active to the other pin.

The remaining pin is now your mains out. Switches should always be connected in line with mains ACTIVE.

When doing anything with mains voltages, BE CAREFUL - 240V isn't very forgiving....

Cheers
Graeme

3rd January 2005, 08:26 AM	#1
Diy_Ambitious diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NZ	how to wire a rocker switch I've got this 10A 250VAC rocker switch that lights up and theres 3 terminals marked 1,2 and 3. Is this how to wire it ? 1) will be 240VAC in. 2) 240VAC output. 3) Ground , so does it go to safety earth ? does it matter if its LIVE or NEUTRAL for the AC in ? Thanks.

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3rd January 2005, 10:07 AM	#2
Centauri diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Newcastle, Australia	DON'T connect any of the pins to ground - ground (earth) is for safety and sheilding, NOT return current. First you will have to identify the terminals - numbering is at the discretion of the manufacturer. With a multimeter measuring ohms, take readings between each of the switch pins with the switch in both on and off positions. You will find that there is an effective open circuit (no reading) on one pin - this is the internal neon connection. Connect this to mains NEUTRAL. Connect mains ACTIVE to one of the other pins - if the light goes on and off when you activate the switch, it is the correct pin. If the light stays on all the time, change active to the other pin. The remaining pin is now your mains out. Switches should always be connected in line with mains ACTIVE. When doing anything with mains voltages, BE CAREFUL - 240V isn't very forgiving.... Cheers Graeme

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