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DPDT Switch

1270 Views 6 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Sol, 
D
When wiring a DPDT switch for a DCC power and programming cables, do they feed onto the outer tags on the left and right and then the cable to the track comes from the centre tags?
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dwb
Without seeing the actual switch it would be brave man who gave you an unqualified yes to your supposition.

However the usual design of DPDT switches is that the centre connections are the common with the outer connections being the choices. The switch usually closes the connections opposite to its current position - eg if the switch is to the left then it's the right pair of contacts that is connected to the centre. Sometimes there is connection information stamped on the side of the switch.

The best way to be certain is to check with some kind of continuity tester. In other words there's no warranty with the information in this post.

David
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A
If you type DPDT into 'Google' and look at the first entry 'Switches', it will give you some information on switch operations.

Alan
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Doug
QUOTE (Diggy @ 22 Nov 2007, 19:20) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>When wiring a DPDT switch for a DCC power and programming cables, do they feed onto the outer tags on the left and right and then the cable to the track comes from the centre tags?


Yes, that's how I use mine.

I used to protect the programming track by using a siding for programming, but now I have a branch off my turntable. I drive the loco on, flick the switch and program away, flick, then drive off again.
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B
Hi Diggy
These links below may offer you some help....
SWITCHES
and about 1/3 the way down this page
Programme/Nornal selection

On 99.9% of toggle switches the centre pair of tags are the moving contacts and make with the outer tags depending on which way the switches lever is. Normally the lever is oposite position to the contact thats with the centre. i.e. Switch lever left then centre and right-hand tag are making contact. So youre correct.
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neil_s_wood
I'm really glad this thread arose as I was looking into these switches yesterday and was wondering what the difference is.
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Sol
A DPDT or even a SPDT centre-off switch is also ideal for analogue layouts that have two cabs/controllers - track to the centre terminal/s & one cab/controller to each side - this allows the selection of either cab to the track.
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