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KrazyKarl02
11-04-2008, 01:34 PM
I have a question about electrical switches. My question applies to boats, but I figure some of you might have some opinion or theory on this. I have an aluminum boat, recently I purchased a switch panel like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-Switch-Gang-Panel-Fused-Marine-Bakelite-4-1-2-X-6-1-2_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c39Q3a1Q7 c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0 Q2em14QQhashZitem350106820130QQitemZ350106820130

The ad says marine switch panel, etc... So I figured it could handle damp environments. Well I have had the panel installed for about 6 months and used it a couple of times. I went to fix the bilge pump on the boat last night and none of the switches work. I took it apart, checked battery, wiring, etc... What I found was that every switch had corroded to the point where they no longer worked.

My question, is there a type of switch that is better suited for this? How can you tell, I mean this thing was supposed to be a "marine" switch panel. The terminals on the back are all craptacular now and it has only been used in fresh water???

agjohn02
11-04-2008, 01:43 PM
nothing that is actually marine grade is $25 unless you are talking about a single switch.

Eckert
11-04-2008, 02:14 PM
why not emcompass a sealed box with the switches? only have the wires coming through a sealed hole on the backside.

KrazyKarl02
11-04-2008, 03:06 PM
I am thinking of siliconing the hell out of the back side.

Cox, any constructive comments to make or are you just going to be your normal jackass self?

eight
11-04-2008, 05:34 PM
McMaster 7172K21

agjohn02
11-04-2008, 05:36 PM
I am thinking of siliconing the hell out of the back side.

Cox, any constructive comments to make or are you just going to be your normal jackass self?

i could, but i dont know enough about marine switchs to really be of help other than the fact that they are expensive. a marine rated penny is worth a dime.

Fredo
11-04-2008, 05:57 PM
Contura rocker switches are sealed for marine use from what I've found on them. Like the switches they use for ARB kits and stuff. Waytek has them. If you're buying one, it's roughly $8-10 for the switch and plug. They do discounts in bulk, so if you are thinking about ordering them, let me know, I'd like to get some.

They have them listed as switch body, then "actuator" which is the cover, then plug, and plug terminals, then mounting blocks. So it's a piece together kind of deal. Here's the link to all of the contura stuff:
http://order.waytekwire.com/scategory/M37/260/200