Waterproofing Switches: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:SwitchComplete.jpg|thumb]] | [[Image:SwitchComplete.jpg|thumb|A toggle switch completely shielded from the elements with a sleeve and rubber boot]] | ||
=== Basics === | === Basics === | ||
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=== Relay "Suspensions" === | === Relay "Suspensions" === | ||
On the [http://www.ronayers.com/fiche/200_0418/cowl_stay/cowl_stay.cfm ST1300 cowl microfiche] is item [http://www.ronayers.com/browseparts.cfm?searchstring=38306-MCA-000 four], p/n 38306-MCA-000 "SUSPENSION", which is a sleeve intended to attach | On the [http://www.ronayers.com/fiche/200_0418/cowl_stay/cowl_stay.cfm ST1300 cowl microfiche] is item [http://www.ronayers.com/browseparts.cfm?searchstring=38306-MCA-000 four], p/n 38306-MCA-000 "SUSPENSION", which is a sleeve intended to attach a Micro-ISO relay to the cowl. These "suspensions" also make excellent waterproofing housings for toggle switches, such as you might use for accessories on your motorcycle. Just cut a round hole in the end and fit it snugly around the switch body, and zip-tie the open end closely around the wires. Don't buy this one, though, because... | ||
There is another, seemingly identical relay <b>suspension</b> available. But it's less than <b>half the price</b>! | There is another, seemingly identical relay <b>suspension</b> available. But it's less than <b>half the price</b>! | ||
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=== Switch Boots === | === Switch Boots === | ||
[[Image:SwitchBoot.jpg|thumb|A toggle switch boot]] | |||
Switch boots are available online, or from Fry's. I have one from Fry's, made by "GC". It's part number 35-060. It has a vinyl boot and accepts switches with a 1/4" diameter and up to a 3/4" length. | Switch boots are available online, or from Fry's. I have one from Fry's, made by "GC". It's part number 35-060. It has a vinyl boot and accepts switches with a 1/4" diameter and up to a 3/4" length. | ||
Latest revision as of 05:25, 28 February 2006
Basics
If you're going to use toggle switches to control your accessories, it's probably a good idea to make them as water-resistant as possible. There are three things I do to achieve this: use dielectric grease on the connectors, use a rubber relay "suspension" to reduce water exposure, and use a rubber toggle-switch boot to prevent water from entering from the top.
Dielectric Grease
Dielectric grease simply prevents water from getting to the connector surfaces and causing corrosion. It's available from any auto-parts vendor, from Honda, and from industrial suppliers.
Relay "Suspensions"
On the ST1300 cowl microfiche is item four, p/n 38306-MCA-000 "SUSPENSION", which is a sleeve intended to attach a Micro-ISO relay to the cowl. These "suspensions" also make excellent waterproofing housings for toggle switches, such as you might use for accessories on your motorcycle. Just cut a round hole in the end and fit it snugly around the switch body, and zip-tie the open end closely around the wires. Don't buy this one, though, because...
There is another, seemingly identical relay suspension available. But it's less than half the price!
- 38306-MCA-000 $6.57
- 38506-MCS-G00 $3.27
This second, cheaper relay suspension appears on the ST1300 wire harness microfiche as item nine.
Switch Boots
Switch boots are available online, or from Fry's. I have one from Fry's, made by "GC". It's part number 35-060. It has a vinyl boot and accepts switches with a 1/4" diameter and up to a 3/4" length.