Ignition switch source

[Avocet]

Along with Avocet's tired engine stop cable, the Ignition switch is pretty dodgy. It's a square, latching push-push, pushbutton with a silicone membrane over the top of it. Probably about an inch square with a red "On" symbol on it. The contactor block is pressed on behind it. As far as I know, it sends power to the alternator light and one side of the starter relay. There's a second momentary switch to operate the starter motor. I've taken the contactor block off (it's not latching every time) and there are various things written on it, but it sees to be a Schlegel AFL switch. The rest of the writing says:

Schlegel

AFL

5A 250V ~

VDE 0660

VDE 0630+++

X 60V 1.2W

I've found one here:

http://www.plccenter.co.uk/en-GB/Buy/SCHLEGEL/AFL

but by the time you pay the minimum order charge and carriage from the USA, it's about £70-odd quid!

Can anyone suggest a replacement? I'd prefer not to go for a rotary car-type ignition switch if possible, because (a) I don't want another key to lose, and (b) I'd have to scrap the rest of the panel it sits in.

 

[nigelmercier]

Have you got a picture of the panel?

 

[Rigger Mortice]

http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/...FL5K-Switch-1NC-1NO-Screw-connector-250-V-6-A
???

 

[prv]

Surely any old switch that can carry 5A (since that's what's stamped on your existing one) will do? Go to RS and pick any style you like!

The equivalent switch on a 2GM20 has to carry 25 or 30 amps (can't quite remember) which meant the choices available to me were a bit more limited when I did exactly the same thing on Kindred Spirit. I assume your engine has relays or something so that the current is less, very sensible. I ended up with a big chunky rotary switch somewhat like:

which was at least easy to find and positive to operate, when reaching in under the bridgedeck from the cockpit.

Pete

 

[nigelmercier]

... There's a second momentary switch to operate the starter motor. ...

http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/...FL5K-Switch-1NC-1NO-Screw-connector-250-V-6-A

I read the OP as there being an integrated momentary switch, but perhaps not.

 

[Avocet]

Thanks all,

Sorry, should have been clearer. Two separate switches on the panel. One latching (for ignition on), and one momentary (for starter operation). The momentary one is fine, but the latching one sometimes doesn't latch. That link Rigger posted does look very much like it, although mine has 6 terminals on the bottom (not sure if all are used though). I'll have to get a photo of the panel next time I'm at the boat.

 

[nigelmercier]

No need for photo on my account if you have two switches, I was thinking you would need to squeeze two into one.