i need help to find a key switch

[dacflyer]

i am looking for a key switch with a removable key
this switch has to be (L)on-off-on(R) and the center position you can remove the key. (C)
the key has to be like that of a regular door key or lock. not some plastic thingie. contacts only have to be rated at about 1 amp. the assembly can have snap switches. it also has to be able to be panel mounted , hole size does not matter.
i looked in newark & automation direct and had no luck.
anyone have any suggestions or links..

[Robert Reed]

Wouldn't that be a common automotive ignition switch?

[jollyrgr]

When you say SNAP switch, can it be that the switch returns to center when let go? There is this switch:
http://www.alltronics.com/cgi-bin/item/ ... -keyswitch

It has four pins. The two "center" pins are connected when the switch is in the neutral position. When the switch is turned left, the left and left center pins are connected. When turned right the right and right center pins are connected. This is a spring loaded switch and returns to center when the key is released. It appears to have a small metal key. Based on the description I would assume you could only remove the key in the center position. It is a 4Amp rated switch so it meets electrical specs. If you short the two center pins they become a COMMON and this could be considered a single pole double throw switch; making this an ON OFF ON like you request and not the ON ON ON as described at the link above.

[dacflyer]

robert >> no, that would be like off - on - start (momentary)

i need a on-off-on deal

jollyrodger >> what you show looks just like what i could use, but i am looking for something not spring loaded.
if i cannot find what i need than i'll have to resort to a single key sw. and a toggle switch.
thanks

[MrAl]

Hi dac,

Are you saying you need a key lock switch that has

1. center off (and remove key)
2. turn to the right, close contact #1, no spring return
3. turn to the left, close contact #2, no spring return

or

1. center off (and remove key)
2. turn to the right, close contact #1, no spring return
3. turn to the left, close contact #1, no spring return

The difference being that the first switch here would possibly activate
two different things depending on which way you turned it, while
the second would only operate one.

There are lots of garage door key switches being made, too bad they are
probably all SPST type switches.

You could do a search for "SPDT key switch" and see what turns up.
I found a few this way but the descriptions are not that good, so
you may have to contact the vendor before ordering.

[gerty]

Have you looked at Allen Bradley? You can configure them with different type contacts (n/o or n/c ), momentary, maintained. And on some models you can stack contact blocks for double , triple ,pole..

http://electronic-components.globalspec ... lenBradley

[dacflyer]

mr al >>
1. center off (and remove key)
2. turn to the right, close contact #1, no spring return
3. turn to the left, close contact #2, no spring return

the switch will need 2 switchs much like the above description
also it has to be that you cannot remove the key in any position except the off position.


gerty >> i will look at the laink later on when i get home, hopefully what you describe, will fit in a regular weather proof outlet box.

[Craig]

It looks like gerty found it, specifically, part number 800FM-KM34.

The key will only come out in the center position.
The key will remain in the left or right position, it will not spring back.
The left and right contacts are seperate from each other.
In the center position the contacts are open, in the left and right they are closed.

Here is the datasheet http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/77042.pdf. Do a search for 800FM-KM34 and you'll see it.

[reloadron]

OK, here goes, first post.

If I read the link right that switch should do just fine. However there is a small caveat with operator switches. Here is a manufacturers link with a picture:

http://www.ab.com/en/epub/catalogs/2051 ... /tab7.html

Note there are no contacts, the switch needs configured with the blocks.

http://www.ab.com/en/epub/catalogs/2051 ... 8/5958306/

This is where you choose the NO or NC block(s) to mount on the switch body.

I was surprised Newark didn't have any. I generally buy stuff like this from Allied. For example Altech Corp. sells the same switch as a part number: 2AK2-07 the allied part number is: 767-0135 and it can be found here:

http://www.alliedelec.com

Just put the part number in search.

The block(s) are 767-0138 for NO and 767-0139 NC

You are looking at a little over $20 for the switch and contact blocks.

There are others in the catalog so that was just an example.

Just remember you need the blocks.

Ron

[Robert Reed]

Dacflyer
"robert >> no, that would be like off - on - start (momentary) "

I think you forgot to add the aux. position, as when playing the radio only and no ignition circuit. It should be from left to right: AUX.- OFF- IGNITION - spring load START. If you can ignore the start position it seems like it should suit your needs.
And if you think accidently advancing the key beyond IGN. into START would add confusion, you could merely parrallel IGN. and START as when released it will always return to IGN. - just where you intended it to be in the first place.

[Craig]

Robert, that is correct with most domestic vehicles, but most foreign vehicles, like my Acura, go OFF-AUX-RUN-START.

A car ignition switch is probably more than $20 new, but you could probably pick one up at the auto-wreckers for $5 if you want to go get it yourself. Probably not worth the effort though.

[dacflyer]

thanks for the info guys...
as far as a car ign switch.. totally would not work for what i need.