cheap waterproof 10 amp switch

[gt40]

I ordered one of these after talking to the company:

http://www.trailtech.net/040-LS-B.html

10 amps clicky alternate action and they said it was completely sealed. I will post after I get a chance to test it. Has anyone else heard of these?

I figured for the price, what the heck...

 

[DonShock]

I've used them for making Mag tailcap switches. I wouldn't trust them, as constructed and without modification, for diving use. The rubber switch cover just has a plastic ring in it. The waterproofing comes from the rubber wrapping around the bottom of the ring so it seals against the body as you tighten. There is fairly little rubber and the plastic ring can't be tightened too much without risking breakage. It might be enough for a foot or two of submersion, but not enough for dive use. It might maintain a seal if you could fully encapsulate the switch and the bottom of the rubber boot in a waterproof material. Another concern would be pressure differential as you submerge. If the interior of the light (on the inside of the boot) is at atmospheric pressure the increasing pressure on the outside of the boot as you submerge may collapse the boot enough to depress the switch. Then your light might just turn on and stay on until the batteries are depleted.

 

[Linger]

Sorry I disagree the pressure differential will be enough to activate that specific model. I have used one (for cycling helmet, which just means i've seen it first hand) and given that pressure will be equal in all directions I'd vote that off the list.
I agree it's not dive rated as is. But it's got potential. Simplest would be fastening the attached weather cap (shown in that pic) and then 'potting' the remainder of switch + a 1/2 inch up the cables with silicone caulking. The rubber boot provides sealed range of motion needed to operate the switch, while the rest is coated up on silicone.
A small puck-like housing from a section of pvc pipe can be added for a more finished look

 

[Packhorse]

I wouldnt trust it on any dive light I had invested more than $10 on.

 

[Linger]

well it is a $1.50 part. Obviously any depth-proofing hacks are yymv. But that goes for some stock pieces too, doesn't it? which is why we have this forum.

 

[Packhorse]

well it is a $1.50 part. Obviously any depth-proofing hacks are yymv. But that goes for some stock pieces too, doesn't it? which is why we have this forum.

$6.95


Is it a toggle or a push?

 

[Linger]

allelectronics gave me a better price.
Judco switches, push to change mode.

 

[gt40]

I got the switches in and they seem like Judco style with waterproof boot. It looks like you could seal the boot on with teflon paste and then sealed the opening the switch protrudes through with silicon. I will put one in a body and dive with it to see if there is any leakage. I think it should be fine though.

 

[Packhorse]

Push button switch?
Do you really think it will work as expected under pressure?

 

[gt40]

Push button switch?
Do you really think it will work as expected under pressure?

The boot that covers the switch is pretty robust. It seems around the same thickness as my mouthpiece of my regulator. the switch and spring underneath is quite strong so I think it should definitely work if I can seal it properly.

 

[Packhorse]

Until the external pressure of the water exceeds the internal pressure of the spring and this pressure differential activates the switch turning the light on or off when you want it off or on.
This is why you never see a push buttin switch on a dive light

 

[gt40]

Until the external pressure of the water exceeds the internal pressure of the spring and this pressure differential activates the switch turning the light on or off when you want it off or on.
This is why you never see a push buttin switch on a dive light

The switch is very snug in the boot so there is almost no volume of air to cause a differential. The pressure would be on the sides of the boot as well as the top so I think it might not be an issue. The real trick is getting it truly sealed. I think I will just have to test it. Could you put a light with this switch in a pvc pipe section with water into it with a compressor through fitting and pump air into it? I could pump 120 psi or roughly 8 atmospheres worth of pressure into it and see if it activated the switch. I am not sure though if that is the same as pressure at depth. Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[Packhorse]

Pressure is pressure. It will work but be very carefull. You are very likely to have the PVC tube blow apart and you dint want to be near it when it does! You are best to fill it with water from a hose and let the water pressure do the work. I use an old mini keg and get about 3 bar pressure so equal to 30 meters depth. Local dive shop uses water mains pressure and they get about 6 bar.

As for the pressure being on the side of the switch and the top it makes no difference.