Multi circuit switch

Thread Starter

Himme llen

Joined Dec 11, 2016
4
I am trying to find a switch (preferably a turn knob) that can switch multiple circuit wires, where when turning a single switch it will activate (or deactivate) multiple wires. Trying to search it yields no results so if anyone knows of a product or even what this type of switch is called it would be appreciated.
 

cmartinez

Joined Jan 17, 2007
8,257
I am trying to find a switch (preferably a turn knob) that can switch multiple circuit wires, where when turning a single switch it will activate (or deactivate) multiple wires. Trying to search it yields no results so if anyone knows of a product or even what this type of switch is called it would be appreciated.
Also, stating the switch's capacity, in amps, would be helpful.
 

Tonyr1084

Joined Sep 24, 2015
7,905
Rotary switch is what I was thinking. The current draw on LED's isn't very high, and likely neither is the voltage. The attached page shows numerous different rotary switches to choose from. Now all you need to do is determine how many wires need to switch between on and off and how many positions you need the switch to operate in.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_3_11?url=search-alias=industrial&field-keywords=rotary+switch&sprefix=rotary+swit,aps,226&crid=3JDR7K1P3SZ1

[edit]

Here's a 2 pole 5 throw (two switches with five positions). Sounds like you need 2 pole, 3 throw, but I don't know how easy or hard it would be to find one so small. Perhaps the link #12 provided (slide switch) will serve you better.

Here's that link: https://www.amazon.com/Knurled-Shaf...qid=1481473174&sr=1-39&keywords=rotary+switch
 

Reloadron

Joined Jan 15, 2015
7,523
What you need to do is start by getting a basic handle on switch basics, Poles and Throws, Open and Closed. Once you have those basics you can better express what you are looking for as to switch type such a toggle, slide, rotary or other.

I am trying to find a switch (preferably a turn knob) that can switch multiple circuit wires, where when turning a single switch it will activate (or deactivate) multiple wires. Trying to search it yields no results so if anyone knows of a product or even what this type of switch is called it would be appreciated.
Sounds like you would like a Rotary Type switch which are pretty common. Just a matter of how many poles and positions. Additionally what working voltages and currents will you be switching, as several members have asked. Here are some examples on Amazon which may fill your needs.

I am using it to switch a RGB LED strip between its stock controller and an arduino which reacts to music being played
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5M-SMD-RGB-...D-44-Key-IR-Remote-12V-5A-power-/281055672866

3 positions On, Off, On: one On for stock controller and one on for arduino
3 circuits to switch: Red LED, Green LED, Blue LED
Sounds to be low voltage and low current application. NKK makes a good line of rotary switches sold by Mouser Electronics. You may want to start with NKK or similar.

Ron

 

Thread Starter

Himme llen

Joined Dec 11, 2016
4
Rotary switch is what I was thinking. The current draw on LED's isn't very high, and likely neither is the voltage. The attached page shows numerous different rotary switches to choose from. Now all you need to do is determine how many wires need to switch between on and off and how many positions you need the switch to operate in.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_3_11?url=search-alias=industrial&field-keywords=rotary+switch&sprefix=rotary+swit,aps,226&crid=3JDR7K1P3SZ1

[edit]

Here's a 2 pole 5 throw (two switches with five positions). Sounds like you need 2 pole, 3 throw, but I don't know how easy or hard it would be to find one so small. Perhaps the link #12 provided (slide switch) will serve you better.

Here's that link: https://www.amazon.com/Knurled-Shaf...qid=1481473174&sr=1-39&keywords=rotary+switch
I actually found one that would be perfect for my project
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009IS7SN2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1THAZDOWP300U

thanks so much for the help
 

Reloadron

Joined Jan 15, 2015
7,523
And at such capacity, it's only a matter of time before the contacts stop working if it's used for a low voltage, low current application
I have to agree with that. The switch is, as Max points out, a three phase motor reversing switch. I used switches like that on the old lathe and Bridgeport milling machines at work. However, whatever I guess.

Ron
 
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