polarity of 12V switch and powerpoint

Submitted: Saturday, Jun 09, 2007 at 16:39

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HGMonaro

My camper has a switch which controls the interior lights and another that switches the 'annex' light. Wired off the interior light switch is a 12V power point. My problem is that it was wired so that the power point was active when the switch is off (light are off). If I turn the switch on, the lights come on but the power point voltage drops to zero. Not how I want it to operate!

Easy you say... move the power for the power point to the other side of the switch.... nope, won't work. I get nothing at the power point. I did manage to configure it so that the switch controlled the power point but then the lights didn't work.

My theory is that all earths should end up together, and the power (+) should be on one side of the switches.

Can anyone suggest some fundamental steps I should take to get this sorted?

Cheers, Nige.

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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Saturday, Jun 09, 2007 at 17:29

Saturday, Jun 09, 2007 at 17:29

Nige,

You are correct that all earths (negative side) should end up together.

There is something basically wrong with your switch connection.
If the Positive wire to the power outlet is connected to the live (unswitched side of the light switch, everything should work as you want it to.

Sounds like the power wire is connected to an intermediate pole on the light switch which becomes open circuited when you turn the light on.

With the aid of a multimeter, or 12 volt test lamp, it should be possible to find the live wire on the switch which remains active regardless of the switch position.

Failing this, you need the services of an Electrician who can trace & check the wiring to confirm is validity.

Bill

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AnswerID: 245769

Reply By: Patrolman Pat - Saturday, Jun 09, 2007 at 17:55

Saturday, Jun 09, 2007 at 17:55

Sounds to me like it is not a simole on/off switch but a three position changeover switch.
Usually the middle terminal is active in, the other two terminals are switched actives depending on which way the switch is pressed. It seems like a strange set up though.

AnswerID: 245772