Can I use regular domestic light switches to control turning on and off lights and accessories on my layout. These are only 54c each @ Wal-Mart, Atlas control switches are $7.50 at my LHS for a block with 3 on/offs. To me $1.62 is a whole lot better than $7.20. I currently need 10 on/offs and the money saved can go into bluebox stuff.
Many thanks,
Karl.
There is no reason why you cannot use them, the main thing against them is they are soo big, and would take up a heck of a lot of space on a control panel. There are wholesale outlets that advertise smaller switches in MR, surplus outlets, etc. You would be better off waiting until you can afford properly sized switches.
Bob Boudreau
I don’t see why not, most are AC rated but a little DC doesn’t hurt them ( your lights mayby AC anyway) I’ve seen them here in banks of 6 in a nice neat mounting plate.
Ken.
Thanks guys, size wouldnt be a problem as I would make a custom panel insert and cover plate to mount them from underneath and the actual switche levers are no bigger than the radio shack ones.
It was the electrical validity I was concerned with.
Thanks again.
Karl
HOO HAW!
10 ‘wall’ swiches take up SO much room - wall plate’s and all. Your railroad is in miniature.
I use miniature toggles. Even ATLAS surface mount’s are too large fo me.
you can get DP/DT or DP/ST switches for about $3.50 - $3.75 and they’ll look a lot better than a panel full of light switches www.partsexpress.com type in DP/DT or SP/ST switch in the search…they are very reasonable here…chuck
While you certainly can use house electrical switches, I would also advise that smaller switches would look better. You can pick up SPST and DPST switches quite reasonably at Auto Parts stores. Many will light up to show that they are on.
Mini toggles (or even larger toggles) would work better, just from a size standpoint. Check eBay out, I’m sure they have bunches at cheaper prices than your local Radio Shack.
If you don’t mind all of the extra room the standard light switches take up, it’d be a great wasy to save $ !
This site - http://www.demarelectronics.com/ - has SPST toggles for 71 cents, 65 cents if you order 5 or more. I’m sure you can find lots of others that are similar.
Hi,
I agree with the folks above who suggested that Wal-Mart switches are too big. I buy my toggle switches for 50 cents each (if you buy 10, the cost is only 40 cents each) at www.allelectronics.com. This site provides lots of inexpensive electronics…for instance, you can get a transformer for around $4.00.
Hope this helps.
Mondo
Thanks guys, it seems opinions are unanamous. These crazy ideas just kinda pop into my head while I’m ‘working’, the brain’s always on the go, figuring out solutions and alternatives, I guess that for one good idea having several bad ones aint too bad.
Have fun & be safe,
Karl.
Another factor against it: it is good practice never to use mains voltage gear for low voltage applications. One day somewhere sometime someone is gonna be under your layout and get the two confused. The prohibition applies particularly to plugs and sockets, but I think it should apply to switches as well. I’d hate for one of my crew to assume a switch was carrying 12v DC when it was really carrying mains AC. Where I live that’s 220V which will make you twice as dead as 110V
MondoTrains Thanks for the lovely site. i just ordered 22 switches I liked. I ordered 11 of the $.40 toggles and 11 of the $.55 RS-132 Rocker Switches. These are nice and I have to see them to decide which ones I want to use. Good looking out! Thanks again
You can buy mini toggle switches in either SPST, DPDT, etc. at any electronics store such as Fry’s or even Radio Shack for much less than most LHSs charge.
You can even go to an automotive store such as Pep Boys and find on-off toggle switches for automobiles that would certainly be smaller than household switches. Maybe cheaper, too, after you add the cost of the cover plate and electrical box that you’re going to need for the household light switches.