Rocker Switch

[Bouba]

I have an intesting (frustrating) electrical problem. My navigation lights all work (inside compass, port red, starboard green and masthead light) and they are controlled by a rocker switch pressed forward.
When you press the rocker switch backwards the masthead light only goes on. Only it doesn’t, remember it works with the navigation lights just not on its own.
I assume it’s due to a faulty rocker switch or faulty wiring going into the switch (I of course could be very wrong). I cannot find an identical on-off-on with eight bayonets rocker switch, so I have pulled it apart and serviced it as best I could (there is not much in it). My next stage would be to cut off the female spade connectors to the wires going into the rocker switch and put on new connectors.
However once I’ve done that I’m at the point of no return and can’t go back to the boat dealer and complain.
I haven’t yet complained to the dealer because they can take (literally) years to respond.
Can anybody give me an explanation of the problem and possibly a different place to look.
If I was more proficient using a multi meter I might be able to identify the problem better, so hints would be good.
Thank you

 

[matthewriches]

Picture of what you have?

 

[VicS]

I have an intesting (frustrating) electrical problem. My navigation lights all work (inside compass, port red, starboard green and masthead light) and they are controlled by a rocker switch pressed forward.
When you press the rocker switch backwards the masthead light only goes on. Only it doesn’t, remember it works with the navigation lights just not on its own.
I assume it’s due to a faulty rocker switch or faulty wiring going into the switch (I of course could be very wrong). I cannot find an identical on-off-on with eight bayonets rocker switch, so I have pulled it apart and serviced it as best I could (there is not much in it). My next stage would be to cut off the female spade connectors to the wires going into the rocker switch and put on new connectors.
However once I’ve done that I’m at the point of no return and can’t go back to the boat dealer and complain.
I haven’t yet complained to the dealer because they can take (literally) years to respond.
Can anybody give me an explanation of the problem and possibly a different place to look.
If I was more proficient using a multi meter I might be able to identify the problem better, so hints would be good.
Thank you

OKAY

I assume you are a motorboat , but you do not say so in this post !


I assume when you say masthead light you are really meaning an "all round" white , not a forward facing white as defined as "masthead light" in the Colregs. I assume you will use this light as an anchor light on its own or as a combined stern and "masthead" light. with the P & S lights


You can do what you want with a double pole, double throw , centre off switch.

One pole will be used to switch on the P, S and compass light when in the "forward" position.

The all round white will be wired to both terminals of the other pole so that it comes on which ever way the switch is operated

 

[Bouba]

 

[Bouba]

OKAY

I assume you are a motorboat , but you do not say so in this post !


I assume when you say masthead light you are really meaning an "all round" white , not a forward facing white as defined as "masthead light" in the Colregs. I assume you will use this light as an anchor light on its own or as a combined stern and "masthead" light. with the P & S lights


You can do what you want with a double pole, double throw , centre off switch.

One pole will be used to switch on the P, S and compass light when in the "forward" position.

The all round white will be wired to both terminals of the other pole so that it comes on which ever way the switch is operated

You are exactly right on every point.
When I’m at anchor I cannot have my riding light on without my navigation (red green) on

 

[VicS]

OKAY

I assume you are a motorboat , but you do not say so in this post !


I assume when you say masthead light you are really meaning an "all round" white , not a forward facing white as defined as "masthead light" in the Colregs. I assume you will use this light as an anchor light on its own or as a combined stern and "masthead" light. with the P & S lights


You can do what you want with a double pole, double throw , centre off switch.

One pole will be used to switch on the P, S and compass light when in the "forward" position.

The all round white will be wired to both terminals of the other pole so that it comes on which ever way the switch is operated

 

[Bouba]

View attachment 72298

So in your picture the bottom pink wire is faulty
And this will correspond to my single purple in my picture ?