Are my push start/stop switches identical?

[demonboy]

Having some weird starter circuit issues where the glow plug push button starts the engine, whilst the start and stop buttons are ineffective. I've ordered two new switches (see pic below) and want to know if I can use them to replace both start and stop buttons.

Obviously they do different things but is this a product of them being different types of switches or just wired differently?

This is for a Perkins Prima M60.

 

[BabaYaga]

Not sure if this is of any help, but on my Beta engine, with push buttons for heat, start and stop, the switches are identical. Simple, two-pole type. They do different things because of how they are wired. There are some relays and diodes involved behind the control panel.

 

[Jcorstorphine]

Look like AC

I may be very wrong but the one in the PIC looks as if it is for AC and not DC. Generally an AC switch will only have a tenth of its capacity when used on DC due to internal arcing.

 

[rob2]

Yes, true that for use in low voltage DC systems, the capacity is greatly reduced, but they will only be switching the activation current of a relay. If the OP is really unsure of the type required, then it would help to know the type of engine and preferrably the wiring diagram from the manual.

Rob.

 

[Norman_E]

That switch looks as if it switches on when you press it, and off when you press again. i.e. it is a latched switch. That is quite wrong for the engine stop button, which should just be a spring loaded press to make switch, preferably with a big red button.

 

[mjf107]

From the photo it looks like an industry standard push button that would be used in control panels in industry. 2 sets of change over contacts ie common normally closed and normally open contact, easy to check with a multimeter on continuity. As BabaYoga has said usually used with steering diodes in boat engine panels. From the strange symptoms your experiencing my guess is that one or more of these diodes has failed, 'short' circuit rather than 'open' circuit

 

[Shalhoub]

I ALSO AGREE WITH THIS FACT THAT IT LOOKS LIKE AC switch not a DC one thus it would not be working effectively...

 

[Hoolie]

... ... ... I've ordered two new switches (see pic below) and want to know if I can use them to replace both start and stop buttons.

... ... ...

This is for a Perkins Prima M60.

Where have you ordered them from? I have similar, but not function cross-over, issues with my Prima M50 panel.

On mine the start switch use extra contacts to suppress the audio alarm. I think you could use the same multi-contact switch. I have been reluctant to do much as it looks all too brittle to stand much servicing.