How switch works

[Lakeman]

I need to add three switches (on-off w/LED) to my trike, but don't understand how they work. They are rocker switches with an LED indicator. The switches have three connectors two silver and one copper. I assume (get me in trouble) the copper is for the LED but I can't get the LED to light. I checked it out with a VOM for continuity, from silver to silver the on-off function works. I have no continuity from silver to copper, either silver to copper with switch on or off. So I think the LED is a solid state device so I check it out with 12 volts and still no LED! I serviced large main frame computers for 27 years so I would think I could handle this SPST switch, but I guess not. I'm beginning to think the switch/LED are AC. Etched on the switch it has 10 amp/125 volts AC, 20 amps at 240 volts/AC but there is a sticker that has 12V on it. What I ordered was suppose to be 12 volt/20 amp. What am I missing? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

Heres a wiring diagram that might help http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/3042/ledswitch7pr.jpg

 

[Bagger]

Sounds like to me you got an a/c switch.

 

[rhino 2]

I'm thinking you have to ground the copper wire. :Shrug:

 

[Lakeman]

FLTR on leg 2 when you say source is that the load?

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

FLTR on leg 2 when you say source is that the load?

Yes, what your powering

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

I use relays and power the relay ( source ) from the switch. I dont want to power something directly through the switch.

 

[Lakeman]

Less than 1.5 amps on 2 fans on an oil cooler, relay on parade fan and bypassing a light sensing diode on the other. Not much current on any of them. Where near Myrtle Beach are you?

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

Less than 1.5 amps on 2 fans on an oil cooler, relay on parade fan and bypassing a light sensing diode on the other. Not much current on any of them. Where near Myrtle Beach are you?

I live outside of Conway, 15 miles west of Myrtle

 

[Lakeman]

We spend a lot of time in MB and murrells Inlet with the RV, about 5 months last year.

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

Will look for yah when you come back

 

[Greydog]

LED's are Light Emitting Diodes therefore are polarity sensitive. Try attaching wires to a 9 volt battery, turn the switch on and touch one wire to the copper and the other to one of the silver contacts. If the LED doesn't light, reverse the polarity and try again. If no light, try the other silver contact and do the same thing. A 9 volt battery won't hurt the LED if the polarity is reversed.

 

[Lakeman]

Greydog you hit it. Copper lead is negative and positive to a silver, thanks. Now where I'm going to use these I will be switching Ground (neg), so I don't think I will be able to get the LED to work. Any ideas?

 

[roadrumble]

Electron flow wil be from positive to negative.
Hook The silver wire to load side and copper to ground.
Should work.