Anyone know if this kind of switch exists as an outdoor version?

[CoggesRailway]

I use DC (which is only really for guest running now). I am about to fit points to connect two paralell loops. I am planning to have a section that can be switched to either loop to allow a cross, stop, proceed on other supply aproach to crossing for the occasional track powered visitor.

I know i could do this with a douple pole double throw switch. So far I have used foot operated out door light switches for isolation set in ballast. Would I be able to get a DPDT one? Is this what a "two way" one is at screwfix? Is there a lighting application for this if so I guess they will exist?

 

[bobg]

Ian, I think you'll find that a two-way has only three contacts, to allow for two switches to operate the same light, so it isn't double pole.

 

[CoggesRailway]

Mmmm. Any one got any other ideas? Thanks Bob

 

[bobg]

Best suggestion - check out Maplins see what they got.

 

[Glengrant]

I have sent you a PM

 

[Gizzy]

Mmmm. Any one got any other ideas? Thanks Bob

Have you had a look at the Screwfix website? I guess you are using switches designed for mains lighting. You could get a double 2 way switch and operate the switches together I suppose. Or fit a DPDT switch into a blanking plate....

 

[CoggesRailway]

Yes Gizz exactly what I was looking for but they describe them as 1 way 2 way which I don't really understand. Yes you can get split 2 switch types of what I want - how would that work? I need to make it impossible to have two transformers connected to a section at once. Sorry I am not to hot on electrickery...

 

[beavercreek]

Hi Ian
The one way/two way are just switches that can be used in both scenarios either as a single room light switch or as a 2 way hall light switch with three core and earth.

 

[Gizzy]

Yes Gizz exactly what I was looking for but they describe them as 1 way 2 way which I don't really understand. Yes you can get split 2 switch types of what I want - how would that work? I need to make it impossible to have two transformers connected to a section at once. Sorry I am not to hot on electrickery...

From what I know about your line, you have double tracks and 2 controllers.

So as I see it, what you want to do is control either track from either controller. I think you will need 2 DPDT 3 Position Centre Off switches rated for at least 20 Amps and 30 Volts.

This is how I would wire it up:

One switch selects the controller and the other one the track you want it to control.

I realise that your next question will be about connecting your planned crossover (with R5 points), so I will have to add to the above diagram to show you how I would connect those....

 

[Gizzy]

I've just realised that the above will only allow one controller to operate either track at a time, so I will need to think again.

Or do you only have one controller Ian....

 

[ntpntpntp]

I don't think there's any need to have the two switches in series as Gizzy has shown.

The normal "cab control" way of wiring would be to have 1x DPDT switch for each track section that needs to be switchable between the two controllers. The two common poles of the DPDT go to the track, the switched poles go to the output of each controller.

If you have two controllers on separate transformer secondary windings then you can do it with a common rail and
SPDT switches, but to be honest I always break both rails and use DPDT as you never know what controllers you might end up connecting (eg. DCC on one line, DC on the other).

 

[Gizzy]

I don't think there's any need to have the two switches in series as Gizzy has shown.

The normal "cab control" way of wiring would be to have 1x DPDT switch for each track section that needs to be switchable between the two controllers. The two common poles of the DPDT go to the track, the switched poles go to the output of each controller.

If you have two controllers on separate transformer secondary windings then you can do it with a common rail and
SPDT switches, but to be honest I always break both rails and use DPDT as you never know what controllers you might end up connecting (eg. DCC on one line, DC on the other).

Yep, Nick is correct. Thanks mate! His prompt about cab control has enabled me to rethink my drawing and I've come up with this:

You need a DPDT switch for each section, so you could add another switch to control a section with a cross over.

 

[nicebutdim]

If it a waterproof switch that you're after you could try making or buying a water tight container and then use a normal DPDT switch(es) and then use a waterproof toggle cover that seals the switch against the container. Like this http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rc...0LjNDQ&usg=AFQjCNFXYb8r6aYcoOq8HEjar8AhiscDxw < Link To http://www.google.co.uk/u...6aYcoOq8HEjar8AhiscDxw
I've had a good search through Google and am unable to find any form of DPDT light switch. The two way switch in screwfix is essentially a spdt switch.

 

[ntpntpntp]

This was my attempt to illustrate the same sort of thing, but Gizzy's is nicer!!

 

[ntpntpntp]

Regarding weatherproof DPDT switches:
These are panel pount jobbies but not cheap
http://www.amazon.co.uk/VASI4KO-Waterproof-Rocker-Switch-Centre/dp/B004J6PY2A

same ones from ebay, a bit cheaper
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WATERPROOF-ROCKER-SWITCH-DPDT-ON-OFF-ON-IP65-RATED-/390390739087

 

[CoggesRailway]

Thanks guys! Yes was hoping to find a waterproof dpdt thanks nice but dim. yep those diagrams will be helpful!

 

[Gizzy]

This was my attempt to illustrate the same sort of thing, but Gizzy's is nicer!!

Nah, your diagram is much neater Nick....

 

[beavercreek]

Not sure if this is of use Ian

http://www.amazon.co.uk/VASI4KO-Waterproof-Rocker-Switch-Centre/dp/B004J6PY2A < Link To http://www.amazon.co.uk/V...h-Centre/dp/B004J6PY2A

 

[ntpntpntp]

That's the one I posted a linky to in post 15 Mike. Same thing is cheaper on ebay.

 

[beavercreek]

That's the one I posted a linky to in post 15 Mike. Same thing is cheaper on ebay.

Whoops sorry Nick...should have opened your link........fools seldom differ eh?