LocostUSA.com

Can anyone suggest a higher quality replacement for the cheapo rocker switches that came with my Birkin? I would consider going to aviation quaity toggle switches but the hazard switch would be difficult to replicate as it is a single throw/quad pole switch.

If you are still looking for a recommendation, I need two things:

1) The schematic of the circuit or a chart of what connections are made or lost at the back of the switch in OFF and in ON positions. Sounds like it may be DPDT.

2) The switch dimensions, as there may be a better switch that will snap in without modification to the panel.

If the problem is excess current, the circuit could be redesigned to reduce the current through the switch with a relay or two, so that an original type switch would likely never need to be replaced again. Aviation switches are derated, which means a switch that is designed to handle 15 amps may be specified for use in a circuit that handles only two amps. Adding a relay is like derating the original Birkin switch.

If the problem is corrosion from water entering the switch, there are better switches to be used. Rockers are much more difficult to seal if they are not designed for it. An adapter plate could fill the square hole and allow a smaller hole for the toggle. I need the panel opening dimensions.

Make a chart to determine the continuity of each terminal to each of the other terminals in the off and on positions, using a volt meter set to ohms, or you can take it to any electrical shop and ask them to fill it out if you are not comfortable with electricity. The chart would have a column for off and for on.

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

For anybody else with a Birkin:

A DPST specified as OFF/ON rated at least 10 amps for 14 vdc and 5 or 6 pins should work if the hole in the panel is big enough. I'd go Carling/Contoura, Marinco, Eaton SVR, or other marine / sealed switch. Can also use any toggle with those specs, fitted with a plate behind the panel and a one in front behind the nut to clamp it in and add a rubber boot over the handle for sealing.

_________________
Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12