1 SPDT switch (ON) - OFF - ON to power a single bulb

Thread Starter

Haroon Kunjappu

Joined Dec 2, 2017
4
I would like to use an SPDT switch to power on (maintained) a bulb or use the momentary throw of the same switch to power on the same bulb for a few seconds.I found some pin-out diagrams and would like to know how this can be accomplished and what challenges I might come across.
Application: Motorcycle Aux lamps.
Bulb: LED cluster/pod/bar etc.
Switch options:
- Contura III Switch SPDT - (ON)-OFF-ON (https://www.bluesea.com/products/7945/Contura_III_Switch_SPDT_-_[ON]-OFF-ON)
- Honeywelll1MT1-5 (https://www.mouser.in/ProductDetail...=sGAEpiMZZMvudeGI7i40XBFH6KOzE4gJHbxzMsCm6m0=)





With my limited understanding and knowledge, I am guessing it would be alright to connect terminals 3 to 1 instead of Load 2, to achieve this. Please correct me if I am wrong and also help with the right way to go about this. What I am worried about is if there will be a reverse voltage of some sort that will burn the whole wiring.
 

Reloadron

Joined Jan 15, 2015
7,867
With my limited understanding and knowledge, I am guessing it would be alright to connect terminals 3 to 1 instead of Load 2, to achieve this. Please correct me if I am wrong and also help with the right way to go about this. What I am worried about is if there will be a reverse voltage of some sort that will burn the whole wiring.
You got it. Tie 1&3 together and on to your lamp.

Ron
 

WBahn

Joined Mar 31, 2012
32,745
But keep in mind that the momentary side will only stay on as long as you hold the switch in that position. If you want it to stay on for a few seconds even if you just momentarily close it, you will need to do something else.
 

Tonyr1084

Joined Sep 24, 2015
9,744
I'm not certain I'm following you. IF I got you right you're saying you have a switch that is center off. Swing the toggle one way and a set of contacts go on until you swing the toggle back to the center. Swing it the other way and it's spring loaded, meaning as soon as you let it go it returns to the "OFF" position. If so, then yes, you can tie terminals 1 & 3 together just the way I've illustrated it. And just as Wbahn said, if you want it to stay lit for a few seconds after you release the momentary side then you'll need some extra circuitry.

Momentary and on.jpg
 

Thread Starter

Haroon Kunjappu

Joined Dec 2, 2017
4
Thank you very much for all the replies.

But keep in mind that the momentary side will only stay on as long as you hold the switch in that position. If you want it to stay on for a few seconds even if you just momentarily close it, you will need to do something else.
I'm not certain I'm following you. IF I got you right you're saying you have a switch that is center off. Swing the toggle one way and a set of contacts go on until you swing the toggle back to the center. Swing it the other way and it's spring loaded, meaning as soon as you let it go it returns to the "OFF" position. If so, then yes, you can tie terminals 1 & 3 together just the way I've illustrated it. And just as Wbahn said, if you want it to stay lit for a few seconds after you release the momentary side then you'll need some extra circuitry.

View attachment 140715
Both of you got what I am trying to do. Yes. I would like to retain the power supply to the bulbs for only as long as I hold it there in the spring loaded position. If I let go, the switch returns to the OFF state and the bulbs are turned off.

So this (ON) - OFF - ON switch will work I suppose. Yay!
 

Reloadron

Joined Jan 15, 2015
7,867
It will do what you described as you described it. The lamps will be lit as long as you hold the switch in the Mom (Momentary) position and hold the lamp lit in the On position.

Ron
 

Reloadron

Joined Jan 15, 2015
7,867
Depending on the bike, make and model, they do make and market switches made to be mounted on the handle bars. On my bike they are called "spots" and I have a separate switch for the spots. Anyway, a (MOM) Off On should work out fine for what you are looking to do.

Ron
 

Thread Starter

Haroon Kunjappu

Joined Dec 2, 2017
4
Depending on the bike, make and model, they do make and market switches made to be mounted on the handle bars. On my bike they are called "spots" and I have a separate switch for the spots. Anyway, a (MOM) Off On should work out fine for what you are looking to do.

Ron
Roger that Ron. It's always nice to meet another motorcycle enthusiast. I have ordered a pair of cheap floods for now. Will use them to understand the wiring and switches and put them in place. Eventually looking to get a Baja Designs Squadron Sport driving and spot combo (1 of each) :D
 

Reloadron

Joined Jan 15, 2015
7,867
Roger that Ron. It's always nice to meet another motorcycle enthusiast. I have ordered a pair of cheap floods for now. Will use them to understand the wiring and switches and put them in place. Eventually looking to get a Baja Designs Squadron Sport driving and spot combo (1 of each) :D
<Off Topic> This year I converted my headlight and turn signals to LED, and also the spots. I about choked on the cost of the LED Daymaker headlight but is does indeed make day. :) The latest addition is a 1992 Harley Electroglide which I finally have just over 6,000 miles on and for the most part it is back to factory. Friends tell me the bike is "Retro" much like me. Thinking maybe next year looking for a good, low mileage, used Honda Rebel or similar smaller bike just for the fun of it. I really like the Daymaker headlight and LED spots but saved all the original stuff.
Bike Tour Pack.png

Retired now so have to time to really enjoy riding.

Ride Safe
Ron

</End Off Topic> :)
 
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