DPDT mini switch terminal direction/oreintation

P

prophetofthor

New member
this is probably a basic question, but i'm not 100% sure.

here is the dilemma. i'm not sure of the direction the switch goes regarding the terminals. i'm wiring a phase switch. i understand the wiring schematic perfect, but i'm wiring it into a pickguard. i want the switch to face the floor and be normal and when i pull the switch toward the ceiling i want the phase to be reversed. i usually use push/pull pots. those are easy (up is up, down is down)

so when a mini switch if facing a direction which terminals does it engage? gotta be one of the two below. does the switch flow with the terminals or does it flow like a 5 way switch? (backwards because of the arc underneath)

o o |
o o |
o o

o o |
o o |
o o

i got the switch from radioshack, but i'm assuming they are all built the same way. if i had a multimeter around i could answer this question myself.
 
Re: DPDT mini switch terminal direction/oreintation

It's backwards. If the toggle is up, the lower pairs of contacts are engaged.
 
Re: DPDT mini switch terminal direction/oreintation

Light globe and battery ? Buzzer and battery ? In fact, any battery powered toy or device....interrupt a wire with the switch and turn the item on and see how the switch works.
 
Re: DPDT mini switch terminal direction/oreintation

got it.

these switches happen to be wired "against the grain". like an upside down arc , like a 5 way.

i put 1 wire on the middle terminal. i put another wire on another terminal. put the middle terminal wire wrapped around a guitar cord. plugged it into a small practice amp. horrible hum. touched the wire to a 9v battery to test the switch. pretty obvious which way it goes. (DISCLAIMER :: i have no idea how dangerous that was. dont do what i do without a note from your Dr).

thanx guys.
 
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