Hello all,

I would like to make a 3 way switch in the camper van that I am building. I want to control the cabin lights on the dash, but also be able to turn them on or off in the rear of the van. I know that this could be done with a SPDT switch but I have yet to find a rocker switch that is ON/ON. (Just like an AC 3 way switch for a house) I do not want a ON/OFF/ON as I am sure I would leave it in the OFF position and cause myself headaches. Any help would be amazing.

The lights I am using are LED RV style Lights

and I was trying to stay with a Waterproof Marine Rocker Switch style of switch.

Thank you.

 

A 5 pin cube relay is a cheap easy solution

Control the relay with an ON/OFF switch, to terminal 86(coil+), ground pin 85(coil-)
Input power supply through pin 30(common)
Terminal 87 (NO) will be powered with switch ON, Terminal 87a(NC) will be powered with switch OFF

 

I found 140 on Digi-Key.

For example:

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cw-industries/GRS-2012-2009/SW318-ND/81523

 

Check out digikey, mouser, or any other electronics type place. Usually you can narrow down your search for an on - on type switch and go from there. Digikey has a few choices, but a marine grade switch may be a long shot.

If it's only a few lights a simple switch will do the trick... if it's more than that you'll have to pay attention to the current ratings and probably do the relay cork_ie mentioned.

just realized MrChips beat me to it while I was figuring out what to say

 

A 5 pin cube relay is a cheap easy solution

Control the relay with an ON/OFF switch, to terminal 86(coil+), ground pin 85(coil-)
Input power supply through pin 30(common)
Terminal 87 (NO) will be powered with switch ON, Terminal 87a(NC) will be powered with switch OFF

Would I need two relays? Could you do a simple diagram? Thank you so much for your help.

 

I found 140 on Digi-Key.

For example:

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cw-industries/GRS-2012-2009/SW318-ND/81523

Awesome in the future I will definitely go with these.

Stupid question it doesn't matter that it only has an A/C rating?

 

Yes you would need two relays

 

All you need is a couple of SPDT switches wired as below:


I assume your cabin lights are low current LED so just wire it like the above using a suitable rocker switch. I see no reason for relays?

<EDIT> Corrected switch type. </EDIT>

Ron

 

All you need is a couple of SPST switches wired as below:
View attachment 158970

I assume your cabin lights are low current LED so just wire it like the above using a suitable rocker switch. I see no reason for relays?

Ron

You meant SPDT, not SPST.

 

You meant SPDT, not SPST.

Thanks, I was on my way out the door for the doctor visit. Maybe I should think when I type?

Thanks Mr. Chips
Ron