Is it possible to make recepticles with an ON/OFF switch?

[disfunktional]

Hey all!!! This question is for my mini fridge build as I would like to be able to turn my individual recptacles off and on with a lit toggle type switch, not so much the typical wall light switch. I know that there are some on the market butthey wont fit the with the way I would like, and I odnt want to buy one and take it apart unless i absolutely have to. I hope that there are some elctricians here that will chime in with some opinions and ideas.

 

[dubwise]

So you don't want a traditional looking switch?
On a side note...I bet those toggle switches that have the flip lid/toggle (fighter pilot/helicopter pilot) missle control swithces.....That'd be bad ass!

 

[disfunktional]

Nope not looking for the traditional light switch Il see if I can dig up the link for what Im talking about.

 

[madpenguin]

You need to start looking in thrift stores or junkyards. Places like that should have a lot of little miscellaneous stuff you're looking for.

So does Google. This was the very first hit of my search. Many, many, many more sites to order from with different switches as well. Just make sure they are rated for 120v and whatever amperage you intend to pass through them.

http://www.action-electronics.com/switches.htm

Use the search Luke.... They even have a missile control switch altho I couldn't find out if it was 120v rated or not..

 

[madpenguin]

Well.... Shit. What do you want it for? For free?

If you don't want to pay shipping then hit your local electric supply house but I wouldn't count on finding anything there but your standard snap switches and decor switches... If you want to trick it out, then your probably going to have to go online...

 

[disfunktional]

Alright I found what i was looking for. Its the American DJ PC-100 8 switch. I hope this gives everyone a better idea. I like the cleanliness of these switches but like i said earlier this item wont work due to the dimesions and i would like to build on from scratch.

 

[madpenguin]

So.... What is it your looking for? Just one lit switch or multiple ones? Ganged like that or do you need them separate?

 

[disfunktional]

Im looking for multiple lit switches btu arranged differently. I plan on mountintg them in the freezer door of my mini fridge( in my sig) along with a pH,EC, temp monitor.

 

[disfunktional]

just checked your sig looks like the right guy is on the job

 

[madpenguin]

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ww...ch&op=search&Ntt=rocker+switch&N=0&sst=subset

Rocker switches galore. It's really easy to tell which ones have an indicator light as well. You'll notice 2 different red ones, one of them is lit (which you can tell). I only went to page 3 but those all look to be flush mount and will snap in quite nicely if you can dremel the proper hole for them....

BTW, Graingers are all over the place. There is a decent chance one might be in your city so look them up before you order online.

 

[disfunktional]

Awsome find man!! So how would i wire a recpticle with the switch? I have minimal electrical experience.

 

[madpenguin]

This one looks kinda cool..

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3XC60?Pid=search

It says "red indicator light" but what the hell is that green all about? That would be badass if it lit red for off and green for on...

You would want a SPST switch. Single Pole Single Throw. That's if you want to switch a 120v receptacle. Wire nut all your neutrals together. Connect your "line in" hot to one part of the switch and then the "load out" hot to the other part of the switch.

Alot of those switches will require you to crimp a terminal to some wire tho, unless you can find one that has screws.

That one I just linked to has 3 screws. The center is probably for a neutral so the light can work and the top and bottom ones are your "line in" and "load out" terminals. Doesn't matter which one is which except for the neutral terminal.

 

[disfunktional]

My God man I think you found just exactly what Im looking for. It does look like it lights green and red, I will find out for sure tho. Thank you for your help it is greatly apreciated. Would it be posible for me to ask for some help and advice when I go to do the install?

 

[madpenguin]

They also have these if your worried about water on the front face of the switch.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1UDL8

 

[disfunktional]

My God man I think you found just exactly what Im looking for. It does look like it lights green and red, I will find out for sure tho. Thank you for your help it is greatly apreciated. Would it be posible for me to ask for some help and advice when I go to do the install?

dont know if you seen my post before your last post

 

[madpenguin]

My God man I think you found just exactly what Im looking for. It does look like it lights green and red, I will find out for sure tho. Thank you for your help it is greatly apreciated. Would it be posible for me to ask for some help and advice when I go to do the install?

Sure. Just post in the Electrical Sticky up top. I don't get out of there too much. Best to just ask there.

I'm a little concerned as to the thickness of your door tho. Those rocker switches snap into a square cutout but if the door is too thick then the tabs won't be able to grab the back side of the fridge, if you know what I mean....

I'm sure you could McGyver it somehow if the door was too thick..

 

[disfunktional]

lol ya Il be makeing a plexiglass insert for the door. thanx for the help again

 

[gdbud]

I found a power command unit at goodwill.
Its used as monitor stand and a power strip for the computer, printer, monitor, light, ect. Each outlet has its own switch and one master power switch to rule them all.

Here it is in my cabinet........................VVV

 

[disfunktional]

nice. thats just what im looking for except that i want to custumize mine to fit hte appllication