Need Help!- Wiring an Illuminated Rocker Switch

[blue_steel]

Hi,

I got myself a miniature illuminated rocker switch at the surplus store and am wondering how to wire it up.

I want this to be the AC power switch for my power supply.

This switch has three terminals. It's similar to the one pictured below.

Which terminals do I connect to the AC? Anybody familiar with these?

Appreciate any pointers

Thanks

[vger]

That depends. Illuminated switches come in many flavors. The methods of illumination differ from incandesant to neon to LED. In the incandesant variety, the voltage of the lamp differs. Some LED illuminated come with current limiting resistor internal to the switch, some not. First look at the switch for a part number and manufacturer name and look it up on the web for specs.

Generally, the three connections will be
1. HOT side of incoming power (V+ or Line side of 120 or 220 or....)
2. Switched output of power
3. Return for lamp (Ground of DC supply or neutral of 120 or 220 or....)

So you can see, you will need to know more about the switch you have.
Steve

[Al_The_Man]

If it has three terminals and is illuminated then it most certainly is the type the lamp is powered from the incoming supply, if rated for 120vac, then all you need to do is test for the pair that opens and closes, this will be your hot switched pair, the third is for the neutral.
If the light stays on when you hook it up, just swap the on/off (switched) pair.
Make sure the switch is rated for 120vac first.
Al.

[blue_steel]

Thanks for your help guys.

The switch has AC ratings on it so I should be good.

I haven't found any specs online but after I hook the ohm meter up to it the convention you guys pointed out seem to make sense.

I'll wire it up soon as i get some free time.

Cheers,