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-   -   How close can switches be? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=180375)

Steve Crewdog 03-11-2020 06:35 PM

How close can switches be?
 
Thanks to the replies in my previous post, Stein Air had the switches I was looking for. But you know how it goes, one problem solved, another one created. My current panel has the switches 7/8" (0.875") apart, the new switches are 0.833" wide, leaving a very little bit of space.

So, is 0.042" in-between switches enough, or am I looking at redoing my panel?


Thanks,
Steve

N941WR 03-11-2020 07:26 PM

How big are your hands?

Consult with Stein, they can give you some guidance.

My flap switch I moved out a little bit because it was too close to my throttle quadrant. Othere switches I spaced subtly further away from others, depending on the function.

pazmanyflyer 03-11-2020 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Crewdog (Post 1413916)
Thanks to the replies in my previous post, Stein Air had the switches I was looking for. But you know how it goes, one problem solved, another one created. My current panel has the switches 7/8" (0.875") apart, the new switches are 0.833" wide, leaving a very little bit of space.

So, is 0.042" in-between switches enough, or am I looking at redoing my panel?


Thanks,
Steve

You will be ok with 7/8" (.875") center to center spacing. That is how I spaced my switches too. The DPDT are a touch wider than the SPST switches but still work.

Planned spacing:



Physical spacing when mounted. DPDT mag switches and SPST master shown:




Steve Crewdog 03-11-2020 08:30 PM

Cool, Thanks.

Carlos, what program are you using? I did mine with XPanel. https://www.xpanelsoftware.com/

Desert Rat 03-11-2020 08:45 PM

I don't have a dog in this hunt, but something doesn't look right here. In the second picture of post 3 above, it looks like way more than .042 gap between those switches.

Maybe thats an optical illusion or camera angle or something, but is it possible that here's a math error in the original question? Or maybe those aren't the sam switches in post 3?

az_gila 03-11-2020 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert Rat (Post 1413940)
I don't have a dog in this hunt, but something doesn't look right here. In the second picture of post 3 above, it looks like way more than .042 gap between those switches.

Maybe thats an optical illusion or camera angle or something, but is it possible that here's a math error in the original question? Or maybe those aren't the sam switches in post 3?

It is 0.038 between switches

They are 0.875 wide, so the gap is 0.042 = well close enough for govt work...:)

pazmanyflyer 03-11-2020 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Crewdog (Post 1413938)
Cool, Thanks.

Carlos, what program are you using? I did mine with XPanel. https://www.xpanelsoftware.com/

AutoCAD 2013. I use it for work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert Rat (Post 1413940)
I don't have a dog in this hunt, but something doesn't look right here. In the second picture of post 3 above, it looks like way more than .042 gap between those switches.

Maybe thats an optical illusion or camera angle or something, but is it possible that here's a math error in the original question? Or maybe those aren't the sam switches in post 3?

Mine are the Carling brand from B&C. Single pole switch bodies measure 1.134”H x .634”W x 1.018”D and double-pole switch bodies measure 1.308”H x .750”W x .887”D. So there is more than the .042 spacing as mentioned in the OP. He says his switch is .833" wide (unspecified type/model) so spacing only gives him .042 spacing. Tight and very little wiggle room but should slide in if they have a smooth side like the Carling type I show.

PilotjohnS 03-11-2020 11:03 PM

Learning here
 
I am just learning here, but after one is done wiring, and buttoning up the panel for good, do you guys (or gals) normally cover all the exposed metal connections with shrink sleeving or something ?

bobnoffs 03-12-2020 04:33 AM

Sunoco has near me
 
I don?t. You should be ok with a good la

Steve Crewdog 03-12-2020 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pazmanyflyer (Post 1413962)
AutoCAD 2013. I use it for work.

Nice


Quote:

Originally Posted by pazmanyflyer (Post 1413962)
Mine are the Carling brand from B&C. Single pole switch bodies measure 1.134”H x .634”W x 1.018”D and double-pole switch bodies measure 1.308”H x .750”W x .887”D. So there is more than the .042 spacing as mentioned in the OP. He says his switch is .833" wide (unspecified type/model) so spacing only gives him .042 spacing. Tight and very little wiggle room but should slide in if they have a smooth side like the Carling type I show.

My new switches are also Carling, but after spending way too much time swearing while trying to get Fast-On terminals on/off (and with the "strong encouragement" of my retired USN avionics Sea Daddy) I'm switching over to Carling switches with screw-on terminals.


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