Rocker Switches...Trim Tabs

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ARA

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I am having major problems sourcing replacement rocker switches They are hole size 21.08mm 36.83 mm in black. My trim tab switch has corroded (6 pins) and no longer works, all the ebay, cpc & Uk based searches seem to draw a blank. Any suggestions ?
 
ARA said:
They are hole size 21.08mm 36.83 mm
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Blimey, talk about being accurate with measurements! :)
Neither Bennett nor other trim tabs producers actually make switches.
It's quite likely that you will find your exact model in this catalogue, and by googling the part number you'll surely find plenty of suppliers.
http://www.eaton.com/ecm/idcplg?Idc...veAs=0&Rendition=Primary&dDocName=VOL11_TAB02

Incidentally, you're talking of one switch with 6 pins, which is the type meant to control both tabs together.
If that's all you have got, I'd take the opportunity to fit in parallel another couple of switches (3 pins each), which would enable also the separate control of port and stbd tabs.
 
What about enlarging the holes slightly and fitting Carling Contura switches? They are availalbe with trim tab symbol from the catalogue and are waterproof. Lots of designs of actuator are available, including back lit and custom legends

I agree mapism's second half of his post. You want a pair of spdt non latching NONO centre off
 
Contact Bennett Trim Tabs who manufacture these systems. I have a Bennet system on my boat and the switch size from what I remember is of similar size. Hope this helps.
 
Thanks for your replys. The switches date back to the early 90's. I do have 1 for left tab & 1 for right.

Interestingly enough JFM, it does say carilingswitch on it but nothing in their website that is of the same dimensions. The problem is that all the other switches are of the same size but it looks like I will have to buy something different & convert.
 
Can you post a pic of the switches you want to replace?

The carling conturas that nearly everyone uses are a bit bigger. Cut out is around 23mm wide and 50mm high, approx (exact details on their website of course)
 
jfm said:
Can you post a pic of the switches you want to replace?

The carling conturas that nearly everyone uses are a bit bigger. Cut out is around 23mm wide and 50mm high, approx (exact details on their website of course)
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rockerphoto.jpg

This is another failed switch on/off but the same style and size. I am not down on the boat at the moment but I do know that each trim switch has all six terminal connected on each switch & i think that 2 terminals are doubled up .
 
rockesealrphoto.jpg

Sorry JFM a better photo, I forgot that I am trying to be in competition with henryf & his photographs, I will try & post a video soon :)
 
ARA said:
I am having major problems sourcing replacement rocker switches They are hole size 21.08mm 36.83 mm in black. My trim tab switch has corroded (6 pins) and no longer works, all the ebay, cpc & Uk based searches seem to draw a blank. Any suggestions ?
Click to expand...

make? I have lenco rocker switches for sale on ebay right now.
 
Thanks for pics. I'm confused becuase that switch doesn't spring back to centre - it is latched with one side of the rocker depressed. so how does that switch work as a trim tab switch?

Anyway, I'd guess that carling switch in your picture isn't waterproof. Even if you could find in the catalogue, which you can't because it is not a current item, you would be loads better fitting Carling Conturas which are properly waterproof - you can squirt a hosepipe at them. These give you a choice of actuator style so you can match up with your dashboard. The styles are called Contura II, III, V, etc. Google image carling contura for a quick look at the styles
 
The switches look the same as my old Bayliner (1990) they take apart very easily , springs and ball bearings will fly out, catch them in a tray.

place the metal bits in a glass of coke over night or beaker of B&Q brick / patio cleaner for 10 minutes.
make sure that each different metal type is submerged in isolation.
rinse with water, dry.

The bits will look like new and can be reassembled , click back together.

if any tabs have snapped off you can solder a wire to the switch with tab crimped on the wire end.

The whole process will take an hour plus solder time.
heaps quicker than trying to source the right bits and then amending the hole size etc.

here is a couple of cheap switches that only have three tabs.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-ON-OFF-...al_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item41631259d1

only 3 tabs is common.

your switches have 6 tabs for ease of wiring but it is just as simple for you to crimp two wires onto one female spade connector .
 
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