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Ian Malcolm Ian Malcolm is offline
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Jul 2006
Posts: 116
Default Navigation light switch problems

Ansley W. Sawyer wrote:
GB,

This sounds like a double pole double throw switch. The common is usually in
the middle on both sides. You can use it but you only need two places on one
side of that switch for your lights. Take it back and get a single pole
single throw switch.

Ansley Sawyer
SV Pacem


Have you considered the possibilty the OP has a small power boat and has
an all round white that is a combined stern and steaming light and also
needs to be able to use it for an anchor light?

If so, he probably has the correct switch (it needs to be DPDT with an
off position). If however he's a sailboat, then as you say, he could
return it and get the right one or take the minimum effort option and
just use it.

If he's a powerboater, and wants that white to double up as an anchor
light, then paralleling the feed wires to the bow lamps and the white
WONT get him an anchor light. Needs to be one half of the switch feeds
the bow lights in BOTH on positions and feed the white from one position
only using the other half of the switch.

--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk
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'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
All varnished hot moulded wooden racing dinghy.