Looking for 3 way toggle switches

[cousneddy]

I am rewiring my nav lights and want to be able to control them from the front and back of the boat. Just like a household 3 way switch and circuit. I can't find any 3 way 12v toggle switches. I did find a wiring diagram that don't work like I want. Switch 1 has to be on for switch 2 to work, looks like it needs a traveller like on a home circuit. I have tried it with 3 terminal, on/off position toggle switchs. <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Ed<br /><br /><br /> web page

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

I found a switch last winter to use my lights so 1st position is off, 2nd is the white lights, and 3rd is everything. Check iboats for off on and both switches.

 

[JB]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Why not just parallel the toggles or the push pull switches Rick uses, Ed?

 

[Gone]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

You can emulate 3-way switches by using two SPDT toggle switches.<br />Connect your +12v source to the center terminal of switch A. <br />Connect the NAV light + to the center terminal of switch B.<br />Run a wire between the top terminals of each switch A&B.<br />Run another wire between the bottom terminals of each switch A&B. <br />Voila, 3-way switch action!<br /><br />CD

 

[crab bait]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

all a household 3 way switch is ,, is a single pole double throw switch.. <br /><br />the 12 volt world is lousy with 'um.. <br /><br />if you want a 3 way switch circut ,,then yes,, travlers are needed/wanted..

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

How big a boat are we talking about? If the switch is installed on the console and boat is anything under 30 feet, you'd never be more the 15 from the switch. Seems like a bother switching from both ends. Flybridge boat is another story.

 

[--GQ--]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Here ya go.<br /><br />Radio Shack has a few selections of 3way switches to choose from. All will suit your application. Diagram below will set you straight.<br /><br /><br />

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Not to confuse things here but what exactly are you calling Nav lights because most boats are wired so that red/green and white stern are on or just the stern(anchor) light when at rest. As the others have mentioned you can easily wire the 2 SPDT switches to just turn on the red/green/white all together from either switch but turning on just the anchor light won't work with this setup.

 

[--GQ--]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Boatin, you are correct. I drew the diagram above based solely on his post. It can be changed to accommodate all three functions if needed. The originator of this thread didn't specify such.

 

[cousneddy]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Much thanks for all the quick and knowledgable replies. <br />JB, I don't know how to parallel the switches like that.<br />CD, I got that one to working somewhat like a 3 way, probably what I will use.<br />Upinsmoke, it's a small boat, but I have to replace the old wire now. It's for convience as I sometimes use the white stern for light.<br />GQ, our Radio Shack was worthless, all the switches were mixed up in the drawer, the kid working there didn't have a clue. I will try a couple SPDT switches.<br />Boatin, I'm refering to the red/green and white light as nav lights.<br /><br />Again, many thanks for all the help!!!!<br />Ed

 

[Realgun]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Read the Second post <br /><br />Thanks Ralph.<br /><br /> SEARCH IS A WONDERFUL THING<br /><br />Heres a great PLACE <br />to find what your looking for.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Realgun...that is a good post but I don't see how it will help install 2 switches that will allow him to turn his nav lights on or off from either switch?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Realgun...that is a good post but I don't see how it will help install 2 switches that will allow him to turn his nav lights on or off from either switch?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Realgun...that is a good post but I don't see how it will help install 2 switches that will allow him to turn his nav lights on or off from either switch?

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

I sure wish I knew how a 3 position switch works for a boat. I thought it was simple. I pulled my nav light switch out of my panel to try to diagnose an electrical issue unrelated to it (always check wire connections first LOL) and it looked like a wiring nightmare. My god. Who invented that thing?

 

[--GQ--]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

Originally posted by waterinthefuel:<br /> I sure wish I knew how a 3 position switch works for a boat. I thought it was simple. I pulled my nav light switch out of my panel to try to diagnose an electrical issue unrelated to it (always check wire connections first LOL) and it looked like a wiring nightmare. My god. Who invented that thing?

It works the same way like any 3 way switch wether in a boat, a train or a plane. The physical construction and the screws maybe located differently.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Looking for 3 way toggle switches

You are right GQ, but I don't understand how they work in any device! LOL I noticed that my rear light comes in with wires with continuity to the back on opposing terminals on opposite sides of the switch. Huh? And the middle ones have wires for both lights, and don't ever show voltage. Neautrals I guess.<br /><br />Man, a 3 way switch is a work of art.