Dome light switch

reborn55 · March 20, 2009, 11:48:33 PM

Going to hook up some type of under dash courtesy lights in the ragtop. I have the original door jamb switch in the car--what are the odds of it working on the 12 volt system or do I need to upgrade it?
Thanks

enjenjo · March 21, 2009, 12:12:21 AM

If the switch is good, it will work fine on 12 volts.

crdnblu · March 21, 2009, 10:25:53 AM

Your concern needs to be centered on the TYPE of under-dash courtesy lights that you're planning to install; do they operate looking for switched 12 volts, or a switched ground, for operation?
I would suggest verifying the wiring layout of your existing dome light, & door pin switches, before your courtesy light purchase. With a VOM, test if the dome light bulb holder center wire is "hot" with the doors closed; if so, your circuit operates on a switched gound provided by the door pin switches.

reborn55 · March 21, 2009, 11:06:27 AM

What I am using are a couple of 12 volt marker light that I had laying around work. They are mounted in the kick panels above my speakers. Nothing fancy---Dome light switch is hooked to nothing now--so I am pretty much able to do what I think will work the best. Just trying to use up some parts--will probably do the same in the trunk. thanks

Crosley.In.AZ · March 21, 2009, 12:31:32 PM

Quote from: "reborn55"What I am using are a couple of 12 volt marker light that I had laying around work. They are mounted in the kick panels above my speakers. Nothing fancy---Dome light switch is hooked to nothing now--so I am pretty much able to do what I think will work the best. Just trying to use up some parts--will probably do the same in the trunk. thanks

the question is the switch design as mentioned.

is it a simple grounding switch or a dual terminal switch that is normally closed till the door pushes it open as the door is closed?

I would think it is a self grounding switch for the ground wire from the light.

Harry · March 21, 2009, 11:24:27 PM

the question is the switch design as mentioned.

is it a simple grounding switch or a dual terminal switch that is normally closed till the door pushes it open as the door is closed?

That would make it a normally open switch.

Crosley.In.AZ · March 22, 2009, 12:01:32 AM

Quote from: "Harry"the question is the switch design as mentioned.

is it a simple grounding switch or a dual terminal switch that is normally closed till the door pushes it open as the door is closed?

That would make it a normally open switch.

A switch that is spring loaded and the contacts are closed when no force applied is a normally closed switch

The Paisano · March 22, 2009, 02:37:14 PM

SWiches were normally made from copper and slid contacts from been rocked,springed or pushed.handles 24,12,6 volts ok.Just make sure that the switch probably is nit a grounded type. as the bulbs probably ground through the mounting .

reborn55 · March 23, 2009, 11:06:04 PM

Using the original switch for the 47---one wire type that grounds at the pillar post. Same system as 53 Chevy and was able to find a wiring diagram. So far so good--have one side hooked up--and working. Need to hook passenger side up and fuse the system and should be good to go.
Thanks