Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6316 Location: Derby

Please could someone explain how this switch works. It is a push button "tumbler" switch. I have observed how one set of contacts are activated and when the button is pressed another set are in play. I presume the single terminal is for an earth wire ... but I cannot think why there are alternate contacts when I would have thought just on/ off would be needed.

What could you use the alternate live for?

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4105 Location: South Cheshire

I suspect its a change over switch, looks similar to the dip switch fitted in the headlamp bowl of 60's British bikes?

Dave

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6316 Location: Derby

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6316 Location: Derby

I suppose if I supplied power to it via the wiper switch ( next to it on the instrument panel) it would enable a two speed (TF) wiper motor to be used?

This was an idea that seemed to meet with little support when I mooted it some time ago because it would mean moving the potentially dangerous windscreen mounted wiper to a safer location under the dash.

It seems a separate switched power supply would be needed to enable this tumbler switch to be used as intended?...(or not as the case may be??).

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

Ray
I'm not sure it's a very useful switch for you because it's a little 'odd'!
It's just a change-over switch, like a foot-operated dip switch. My concern is that it doesn't tell you visually or by feel which position it's in.
If you fit a 2-speed wiper motor, I think it would be preferable to fit the correct toggle switch that goes with it - for one thing, the wiring will be simpler.
I'd sell it! They seem to fetch good money on eBay!
_________________
Mike - MVPeters at comcast.net
2002 MINI Cooper 'S'

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4105 Location: South Cheshire

I was browsing The Lucas master catalogue this morning trying to identify some spare that came in a job lot, and came across the PS9 switch. Contrary to my previous assumption that it was a change over switch it appears that its a simple push on/off tumbler switch.

Its applications are wiper marked with a; W, Roof lamp marked with a H for Heater & Panel lamps marked with a P

The letter markings are pretty common across the Lucas range, so if do you use it the assumption to would be its going to turn the panel lamps on.

The knobs were availably separately, including unmarked and cream variants.

Dave