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Lana
Head Banana
Registered: 10/27/99
Posts: 3,109
Loc: www.MycoSupply.com
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How to make an A/B switch from a light switch.
#15484743 - 12/08/11 08:41 AM (12 years, 3 months ago) |
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First off, I love this forum! It doesn't get much traffic but I think that's one of the things I like about it
I have a property that had a simply, standard light switch hooked up to a boiler. The switch went bad and no longer works. In short, there are two boilers in the building and one pump.
If the light switch is turned up/on, the pump runs through boiler A. If the switch is turned off, the pump runs through boiler B.
I don't think it would be a hard fix, I just don't know how to hook it up. I've changed outlets and light switches before but that's about the extent of my electrical knowledge.
Any help would be fantastic!
Have a good day, Lana
-------------------- Myco Supply - Distributors of Mycological Products http://www.MycoSupply.com The Premiere Source for Mushroom Growing Supplies. Visit us online or call us toll free
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koraks
Registered: 06/02/03
Posts: 26,697
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Re: How to make an A/B switch from a light switch. [Re: Lana]
#15484841 - 12/08/11 09:12 AM (12 years, 3 months ago) |
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Chances are there is a two-way valve that determines through which boiler the water flows, and that the valve is in one position if there is power supplied to it, and in another if there is no power supplied to it. If that is the case, then all you need to do is include a switch in the power supply line of the valve. It really depends on how the physical switching is done though, i.e. what sort of valve(s) is/are being used to direct the water (?) through one boiler or another.
Got any pics of the critical components?
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Prisoner#1
Even Dumber ThanAdvertized!
Registered: 01/22/03
Posts: 193,665
Loc: Pvt. Pubfag NutSuck
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Re: How to make an A/B switch from a light switch. [Re: Lana]
#15485397 - 12/08/11 11:47 AM (12 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Lana said: I have a property that had a simply, standard light switch hooked up to a boiler. The switch went bad and no longer works. In short, there are two boilers in the building and one pump.
If the light switch is turned up/on, the pump runs through boiler A. If the switch is turned off, the pump runs through boiler B.
was there a center 'off' position if so it's a double throw switch also called a phase/polarity reversing switch, if it's a standard switch then I wouldnt have the slightest idea of how they wired that thing up to have the boiler pump shut off at any point
single pole, single throw switch will have 2 screws and a ground = $2-$5 single pole, double throw switch will have 3 screws and a ground = $20=$30 double pole, double throw switch will have 6 screws and a ground = $50=$100
replacing the switch should be as simple as moving a wire from one switch to the other, one at a time, not being able to see the switch and wiring it's more difficult to give you anything more than that. it's really as simple as replacing the outlet unless you're rewiring the system
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Lana
Head Banana
Registered: 10/27/99
Posts: 3,109
Loc: www.MycoSupply.com
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Re: How to make an A/B switch from a light switch. [Re: Prisoner#1]
#15489916 - 12/09/11 08:05 AM (12 years, 3 months ago) |
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koraks, no two way valve. There are two ball valves. If ball valve A is open, then valve B needs to be manually closed. At that point the water flows into boiler A. And vice versa. If valve A is closed, valve B must be open and the water then goes into boiler B.
There is one pump which works fine.
Pris, there is no off position but I'm open to using a double throw switch. I've done a google search for double throw switches and many look like what I think is a light switch. So I could definitely be incorrect to say that the current switch is a "light switch".
I have so much to learn!
Lana
-------------------- Myco Supply - Distributors of Mycological Products http://www.MycoSupply.com The Premiere Source for Mushroom Growing Supplies. Visit us online or call us toll free
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Prisoner#1
Even Dumber ThanAdvertized!
Registered: 01/22/03
Posts: 193,665
Loc: Pvt. Pubfag NutSuck
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Re: How to make an A/B switch from a light switch. [Re: Lana]
#15490210 - 12/09/11 09:54 AM (12 years, 3 months ago) |
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some sort of diagram on how it's set up would be very helpful but the first step for you would be to verify the switch type and simply replace it with something similar
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