switches suitable for amplified signals

[mervaka]

hi all,

 

I currently run an Ohm TRS system, comprising of 1x TRS212 and 1x TRS218 a side. I'm proposing to occasionally supplement the amp rack from a two way to a three way system. currently, each side is individually powered by its own amp, with left running subs, right running tops, fed via 4 core cable. I'm looking to occasionally change this to run MF and HF in the same manner, with LF powered from a third, separately racked amp, with separate twin core cable to the subs.

 

because I want this to be an occasional thing, I need to find a DPDT (or even 4PDT) switch that's happy to carry up to around 700W so that I can bypass the passive crossover inside the tops. ideally this would need to be a slider or something that's not prone to being knocked like a toggle switch, but I have a feeling their current carrying capability may not be the same. are there any switch types I should look for that can satisfy the above, or any other issues that need to be raised?

 

many thanks in advance!

[Mixermend]

There are DPDT toggle and rocker switches rated at 16 amps - which should be a high enough current capability - but either type will probably have an 'easy life' - as they will never actually be switched in the presence of signal (I would hope!).

 

Toggle switches are easy to mount, (single 12.7mm hole) and are, to an extent, 'self indicating' - up/passive and down/active for example. Some types can be fitted with a guard to prevent accidental operation.

 

Rocker switches are also available with DPDT operation, but you will have to cut a rectangular hole 22.3mm x 28.2mm to fit them.

 

Look at the Farnell Web site:

Farnell

 

Search for:

150-555 DPDT rocker switch

767-4309 DPDT toggle switch

767-4341 Guard for toggle switch (this could also be fitted to most mixing desks - for 'self destruct' or 'missile launch' purposes!)

 

Both switches have 6.3mm tags for slide on terminals, or may be soldered if preferred.

[boatman]

If you're feeling rich, Farnell also stock these, which will handle 15A and have locking toggles. Unfortunately they are an American import so carry a supplement of £15 import charge.

[mackerr]

because I want this to be an occasional thing, I need to find a DPDT (or even 4PDT) switch that's happy to carry up to around 700W so that I can bypass the passive crossover inside the tops. ideally this would need to be a slider or something that's not prone to being knocked like a toggle switch, but I have a feeling their current carrying capability may not be the same. are there any switch types I should look for that can satisfy the above, or any other issues that need to be raised

 

How about a multideck rotary switch? A rotary switch is hard to switch accidentally, and you can have as many poles as you want.

 

These aren't the only options, but it shows a bit of what is available.

 

Mac

[mervaka]

ok cool, thanks. I should have mentioned earlier that the switch also needs to fit inside the recess of the EP5 connector panel, due to the way they are transported, so I guess rocker switches are an attractive option here. another concern I have with switches in general, is that given a spring is switch loaded, will the close proximity of the sub cause the contacts to jump, and cause arcing/loss of signal?

[paulears]

I've got toggle switches in some of mine to switch between bi-amp and crossover, and they've never caused any problems whatsoever. The internal springs on the higher capacity ones are pretty strong - accidental switching isn't going to happen, so the chances of any contact bounce are, I reckon, non-existent. There's probably more chance of the speakon wiper contacts in the connectors bouncing than the switch!

[dbuckley]

I've always used Kraus and Naimer cam switches for switching speaker loads. But... you need the right model that has the contacts that work with low voltages.

[mervaka]

awesome! looks like I have a cool little project in the works.. thanks for all the help guys, watch this space!