need help finding a power switch PLEASE!!!

AndyPrice44

AndyPrice44

Active Member
Hey guys

I need some help finding a power switch. I am building a pair of 300b monoblocks that I ordered as a kit from Min at tube lab audio. The kit came with a toggle switch for the power but, since the switch is located on the front panel and will be visible I just think a nice rotary switch would be better.

The toggle switch that was sent in my kit is a carling 2 way (on-off) toggle.

It has 2 ratings on the side
10amp - 250v
15amp - 125v

I am trying to find a 2 position rotary switch (on-off) that will be rated the same and this way I can find a nice looking knob to be on the front of my amp.

I have searched at digikey and mouser. I cant seem to find what I am looking for. They both have rotary switches but, they are all multi position or not rated for the current and voltage I need. This seems like such a simple thing to find. It's just a regular 2 position on/off switch.

If anyone here could be kind enough to help me track one down, I would be GREATLY appreciative.

Andy
 
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Does your schematic sate if it's a SPST (single pole/double throw, or DPST double throw/single throw? How many wires does it have?
 
Assuming you're using the amp on 125V power, you don't have to worry about whether the new one has a rating for 250V. So that may make it easier. I agree with the above post on the amp rating - if your amp only uses 2A, a switch rated 3A or 5A should be fine.
 
thanks for the replies. I didn't think to look at the fuses. They are 4A/250v. These amps are going to be run on 120v mains so I just need to find a switch that is rated for 4A/120v or better. Is this correct?
 
kfalls-

the toggle switch that came with it has only 2 solder lugs on the back. It appears to me that it is just a simple circuit breaker type switch. It just has 2 positions. Either on or off. Just like the light switches in my house. the switch goes up or down only.

I don't know the correct term for what you would call it. What is the difference between SPST and DPST?

by my guess it is a single pole/single throw
 
did some research on google. What I have is just a simple SPST toggle switch. For a replacement I can use a SPST rotary or push button on/off switch as long as it is 4A/120v rated or better. If the amp sees more current than 4A the fuse will blow. Is this correct?

Andy
 
You're right, that type of switch is hard to find. The ones I've seen are either muti-position or combination like on-off with volume or tone pot.
BTW, personally I like the toggle switches. They're very robust and I don't think I've ever had to replace one but if you'd prefer a clean look how about wiring the amps for always ON and do the switching with a power strip or other remote switch?
 
Well, the problem is that I purchased these amps as a kit. I requested that the power be on the back panel of the amp and he drilled the chassis with the power switch located on the front by mistake. There is already a hole there and I will have to fill it with something. I would really like to use a black knob with silver trim like whats on my mcintosh equipment.
 
If it was their mistake I wonder if they'd be willing to send you a proper replacement?
They could send you a return label with it so you could ship the other one back.
It never hurts to ask....well almost never, but...oh nevermind :D
 
McIntosh has used rotary power switches on power amps since 1967. Call Andy at Audio Classics, tell him what you're doing, and ask his recommendation on a suitable switch. While you're at it pick up the matching knob.
 
damacman-
that was the first thing that came to my mind. I actually wanted to find a mcintosh switch to use. After searching some, I have found out that those switches are a couple hundred bucks. I still want to find a 2 way switch that is rated correctly for these amps and then I might buy a pair of mcintosh knobs

Valvenator-
Min did admit that it was his fault. He said he would furnish new chassis but, it would take a couple weeks to get them and re-drill them. I have just decided to live with it and put a nice looking knob on the front instead of the toggle switch
 
...or put a pilot light jewel lamp in the hole and mount the switch in back.
 
Hey valvenator, that link you sent me for the carling switch at amplified parts is going to work. It says multi position on the amplified parts website but, if you go to carling's website they list it as a 2 position on/off. It is rated at 4A/125v. Plus it is a through hole mount and I checked the mounting hole diameter and it will fit perfectly in the hole that is already drilled in my chassis. I won't have to alter the chassis at all. NICE!!

Now I am going to find a couple Mcintosh style knobs to go on these and call it a day...

Thanks a lot guys for all the help and suggestions as always

Andy
 
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