Lighting Switch Help - any electricians?

Psynema

Psynema

Well-known member
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/album.php?albumid=470&pictureid=3352

I have this Smith Vector 750 SG Broad light with a loose power switch. When you turn it on, it doesn't go on until you rock the switch a tiny bit backwards to hit the sweet spot, then it triggers - misaligned connection I guess. I put silly putty to try to align it better but it's not working. I don't see screws inside to further take the switch apart, so anyone have any idea what to do or is this light not salvageable.

Not good at soddering and don't have tools to pry the circuitry apart, but the switch does feel a tad loose.

The link above is a picture of the switch's guts
 
DO NOT fool around with flaky power wiring. Just replace it.

Here is a nice 10-amp line switch...
851046.jpg

10A, 125V, Black, In Line, On/Off Feed Through Cord Switch $2.15
 
Richard Crowley said:
DO NOT fool around with flaky power wiring. Just replace it.

Here is a nice 10-amp line switch...
851046.jpg

10A, 125V, Black, In Line, On/Off Feed Through Cord Switch $2.15
Click to expand...

Nice thanks, but how would I reattach it - would I need to sodder it? There's bolts I'm not sure how to detach.
 
Soldering is not that difficult. It is possible that the replacement switch doesn't need soldering. It might have screws to attach to the black (hot) wires. In any case it is dangerous to fool around with a flaky power mains switch. If you were in my town, I would offer to help you, but you haven't posted your location.
 
Richard Crowley said:
Soldering is not that difficult. It is possible that the replacement switch doesn't need soldering. It might have screws to attach to the black (hot) wires. In any case it is dangerous to fool around with a flaky power mains switch. If you were in my town, I would offer to help you, but you haven't posted your location.
Click to expand...

Ok I'll try to find one of those things - that part has a bad review on amazon the one on my switch says 15amps.... I'm in Philadelphia so too far, but thanks.
 
Denwa said:
Arri makes some good ones but they are $30 or so each.
Cool lights makes some as well.

I like the Arri switches, But they are kinda expensive for what they are. I am also in need of switches. Some lights I ordered did not come with switches. I need 5.

http://www.filmandvideolighting.com/inswco1122l4.html
Click to expand...

From the looks of the pic, it looks like I would have to strip/cut the wire since it's soldered pretty close I guess. I tried selling the light on ebay with the condition declared AS Is, but it didn't sell with a starting price in the mid $30s.
 
With the arri type switches you could cut then crimp on female blade connectors to the wires then slide those over the switch blades. Should take 5 min.
 
Yeah, don't worry about soldering, just cut the old switch off and go with the blade connectors. I've had to do this one more than one occasion. The only problem I've had is finding the right size blades. Arri sells the switches, but not the bit that you need to crimp onto the actual wire. You may have to try a few hardware/electrical stores to find the right size. Just remember to bring the switch with you! I ended up getting some of those little "Y" looking connectors and bending them into a right angle. Worked just fine.
 
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