Need recommendations for a really impressive switch

John in MA · Oct 28, 2010

This probably sounds a little bizarre, but I need an impressive switch. Something that not only looks important but has an action that is loud, snappy, or otherwise mechanically satisfying. Electrical specs are unimportant. I was thinking along the lines of some sort of extremely large toggle switch that goes "clunk," but some kind of oversized rotary switch or a start/stop button with a serious kill mushroom might do. Bonus points for very unique appearance.

Any suggestions? Surplus or used is fine, cheaper is better. I know how weird and vague this is. Open to any ideas. I need a switch that you pick up and fiddle with and think "Golly, now this is a switch."

You'll be helping pick out a remarkably unlikely Christmas present for a young woman.

3t3d · Oct 28, 2010

Like this?

YouTube - Weekend Project: The Mystery Switch

PixMan · Oct 28, 2010

If you want a REALLY impressive switch, do what my former son-in-law did: Become a former daughter-in-law.

Truth. I couldn't make that one up, even in my worst nightmare.

John in MA · Oct 28, 2010

3t3d said:
Like this?

YouTube - Weekend Project: The Mystery Switch

No, I'm being literal. Just a big ol' switch. Like something you'd flip to get a large machine powered up.

PixMan said:
If you want a REALLY impressive switch, do what my former son-in-law did: Become a daughter-in-law.

Truth. I couldn't make that one up, even in my worst nightmare.

Golly.

David Ferguson · Oct 28, 2010

How about something like these ones found at Mcmaster-Carr:

McMaster-Carr

Chip Chester · Oct 28, 2010

If it's largely "decorative" and the function can be concealed/buried, then you might look at 3 ph disconnect or transfer type switches, either without the cover, or with a plexi cover. You'd have to modify it to make it work without the cover, but that's usually a basic mechanical interlock.

Plexi cover would work for 12v/low current operation. For open, "lookin' dangerous" operation, you'd have to make the real current-carrying switch totally enclosed, (buried in a wood base, perhaps) and use the decoy as an actuator. Perhaps add a paddle and linkage to a standard toggle switch, or use a low-voltage relay to switch the actual load.

(Or if the decoy is loud enough, a Clapper could do the actual switching...)

Chip
(Keep in mind that switch is now "your baby" and you need to keep track of it, and either put it all back together or totally destroy it when you're done.)

Belding · Oct 28, 2010

https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?keyword=ESTR&catname=electric&PAGELEN=20&PageNo=3

A_Pmech · Oct 28, 2010

Disconnects make a nice clang when you switch them. The higher the current rating, the more noise they make.

ITE Nema 12 400 Amp Safety Switch Disconnect 3 Phase - eBay (item 370388151984 end time Nov-24-10 09:11:59 PST)

gnorbury · Oct 28, 2010

Amazon.com: Knife Switch - Double Pole, Double Throw: Toys & Games

Stefan Bishay · Oct 28, 2010

John, PM me, I have a good quantity of large, old knife switches.

John in MA · Oct 28, 2010

David Ferguson said:
How about something like these ones found at Mcmaster-Carr:

McMaster-Carr

Not bad. Do those things have a good mechanical feel?

Belding said:
https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?keyword=ESTR&catname=electric&PAGELEN=20&PageNo=3

Too prosaic.

A_Pmech said:
Disconnects make a nice clang when you switch them. The higher the current rating, the more noise they make.

ITE Nema 12 400 Amp Safety Switch Disconnect 3 Phase - eBay (item 370388151984 end time Nov-24-10 09:11:59 PST)

Not going for a breaker panel look.

gnorbury said:
Amazon.com: Knife Switch - Double Pole, Double Throw: Toys & Games

Already have a couple. Kinda dinky.

burchdb · Oct 28, 2010

I kinda like this one
Antique Ceramic ON OFF Switch by ARROW - eBay (item 380282387193 end time Oct-31-10 18:29:09 PDT)

Metal Head · Oct 28, 2010

Certainly cheap, unique & "important" looking. Would also be easy to mount for a gag gift if that's what you're up to.

100A Two Pole Double Throw Knife Disconnect Switch - eBay (item 280564954914 end time Nov-19-10 20:49:40 PST)

Mud · Oct 28, 2010

Cole Hersee battery disconnect. Fills your hand, takes a significant effort to switch on against spring pressure, (about 30° rotary motion) switches off with a slam. Available from Caterpillar with a big L shaped key for a handle. Would be easy to make a nice looking enclosure for. SPST only

Mud · Oct 28, 2010

Metal Head said:
Certainly cheap, unique & "important" looking. Would also be easy to mount for a gag gift if that's what you're up to.

100A Two Pole Double Throw Knife Disconnect Switch - eBay (item 280564954914 end time Nov-19-10 20:49:40 PST)

Wow, I wonder how big that is? Looks suitable for an electric chair.

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John Welden · Oct 28, 2010

You should probably make you own.

jackal · Oct 28, 2010

I was thinking the same as Mud. The switch on the electric chair would be the most noticeable.

Big old knife switch.

JAckal

John in MA · Oct 28, 2010

Knife switches are cool, but I need something with a clicky mechanical action.

David Ferguson · Oct 28, 2010

Mcmaster-Carr will take a return with no questions. I believe those will make a noticable click. You might also look on the next page at transfer/disconnect switches -- those I know are loud!

Mud · Oct 28, 2010

The Cole Hersee makes a loud clack going on, a loud kerchunk going off.

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