Modern Vespa

does anyone know where to find a 12v double pole double throw switch?! i am having a hard time finding one.

also, im mounting 5 spotlights on the front rack of my 2001 et4 - 3 orange and 2 white. i am probably never really going to use them, but i am putting them on this switch so i can toggle between white and orange, but more imporantly limit the load on the battery.

ALSO, do i need to put a relay on the switch? my understanding is that as long as the amps match the switch and what i am switching then i do not need one. thoughts?

any other advice would be MUCH appreciated.

CHEERS!!

You can find a nice waterproof DPDT switch at California Sport Touring.

http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CST&Category_Code=El

I've installed these for heated grips on a couple of different bikes. They're slightly harder to install by virtue of being square, so the hole becomes a challenge to cut in the left knee panel.

Aircraft Spruce has a slew of switches--bet you could find one there.

Cary

does anyone have any input on the relay issue that has come up?

CHEERS!

Your summary of the need for a relay is fairly correct, in that you only need one if the switch is rated lower than the load you're running. Actually, the switch should have some margin, as in-rush current will momentarily load the circuit higher than normal when you first switch it on. Same goes for the fuse controlling all of this.

So if you get a heavy-duty switch rated at, say, twice the sum of the amperage of all the lights, you'll probably be okay.

so basically, run a relay and be safe?

No, not necessarily. It really all depends on the switch.

I hate to be a pain in the ass, but since this is really the only source of information for me, I am going to ask more questions... This is going to be my second mod on my bike with ZERO experience on bikes. Granted my first was a bit easier, given the right info I should not have a problem at all with this.

So...

This is the switch I purchased.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AXPRO

Whats the next move?

I appreciate your help Jess (and anyone else who decides to chime in)

<---- new guy in town

CHEERS!

I'm not an electrical engineer, but I blow stuff up all the time, so that makes me... not really qualified.

That said, the lamp load on that switch is 5 amps. if you're only switching a couple of amps worth of lights, then that switch will probably suffice. Not knowing anything about the lights you're using, I can't answer that question.

If you're switching more than a couple of amps worth of lights, then a beefy automotive relay would be highly recommended. Also, make sure you use heavy gauge wiring, sufficient for the amperage you'll be drawing from the lights. That includes the ground wire, as well.