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Switch size

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2014 12:09 pm
by Dogran
I'm looking to hard wire a 3 way 12v adaptor into my Bongo. I'd like to be able to switch it on and off and was thinking of replacing the switch blank below the steeering wheel on the right side (next to the rear heater switch) with a rocker switch to do this. Does anyone know the correct size of switch I need to order to fit in this space?

Thanks!

Re: Switch size

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2014 1:30 pm
by g8dhe
Electrically you will need a rating greater than 10Amps for the switch, which is what the sockets are rated for. You would also be wise to put in wiring much thicker than you would expect for 10 Amps as it will be quite a long run and you will want to minimise voltage drop to the outlet.

Re: Switch size

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2014 5:59 pm
by Dogran
Thanks Geoff, all noted. I was actually wanting to know the physical size the switch should be to fit in that blank space. Any ideas?

Re: Switch size

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2014 6:26 pm
by Tony x
As an alternative, you could modify the blank switch.
Switch I used was one of these:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181097579591? ... 1497.l2649

These switches from Halfords fit but will leave a small gap at the top or bottom.
http://www.halfords.com/motoring/garage ... ef359#tab2

Image

Re: Switch size

Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2014 6:53 pm
by Simon Jones
These fit in the holes either side of the steering column without modification although you will need a relay to run a fridge: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RED-LED-RECTA ... 1168368581

Image

Re: Switch size

Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2014 10:28 am
by g8dhe
I must admit I couldn't find a direct replacement for the switches themselves so have added any extra switches to the blanks as well.

Re: Switch size

Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 4:55 pm
by Dogran
Thanks both, will have a go at modifying the blank as suggested.

Re: Switch size

Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 9:09 am
by Simon Jones
There's a used switch (of the type I mentioned before) on eBay although, as is often the way, it's more expensive than a brand new one #-o:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mazda-bongo-r ... 2a42f16860

Re: Switch size

Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 10:01 am
by mikeonb4c
Simon Jones wrote:There's a used switch (of the type I mentioned before) on eBay although, as is often the way, it's more expensive than a brand new one #-o:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mazda-bongo-r ... 2a42f16860
Bit of a joke that - looks like the (green, in my case) LED switch i've just fitted (the type in your earlier link). For info of others, the one I've fitted does sit in the space well and its clips manage to engage and hold. But it doesn't sit flush with the electric blind switches I've located it between, unlike the green illuminated rocker switch I'd had there before. The old switch though was too bright at night, used more current for its light, and required me to make it a holder made out modeller's ply painted black, which was a gaff! Overall I'm v happy with the new switch. :-)

Re: Switch size

Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 10:36 am
by Simon Jones
You're right, the bezel of the switch is very shallow so it sits quite deep in the recess. On my earlier photo, you can see I put a group of two next to each other so they all were equally inset.