rocker switch wiring

[DirtyFrank]

hey all, I took an illuminated single pole single throw rocker that ran one of my aerators and changed it to an illuminated double pole double throw to have it run the aerator and a washdown (not to be run at the same time of course)


Here is how I have it wired right now but when I switch it, both lights come on on the switch and neither pump runs. How should this rocker be wired?

http://www.geocities.com/frank_meisel/dpdt_ill_rocker.JPG

[C-Hawk18]

Frank,

If the "toggle" is over top of the "b-e" contacts, it appears you have it wired correctly. When the toggle is moved toward the "c-f" contacts it closes the d-e and a-b connections. When you switch it the opposite direction then it closes the e-f and b-c connections. I would guess that your switch is bad.

[DirtyFrank]

thanks for the reply

I need to test that the pumps are still good too and that I have continuity through all connections.

the switch is new and was working a month ago when I first installed it, would suck if it's gone bad that quick.

If the ground were on a different side, would that make a difference? (did drawing from memory.)

[C-Hawk18]

If the ground were on a different side, would that make a difference? (did drawing from memory.)

No - the only thing the ground wire it for is the lights in the switch. If you disconnect the ground with the switch would still close the circuit to the pumps, but the light would not light

[C-Hawk18]

http://www.geocities.com/frank_meisel/dpdt_ill_rocker.JPG

Frank - one addition - If you used "A", "E" and "C".....or "D", "F" and "B" then the light would light when the switch is moved either way, but the pumps would not work either way. Make sure all of your connection are on the same "Pole".

[DirtyFrank]

thanks for the help C-Hawk, got it fixed this weekend, I did not crimp the ground for both motors properlly and therefore they could not run even if the switch was setup properly. Re-did the ground wire connections and it's working great now.

TIGHT LINES!

[C-Hawk18]

Glad you got it fixed with no additional $$$$.