Switch letting power through

**veetid** · 06-01-2004, 08:29 PM

I am trying to just add a simple switch to my main power that controls my whole carputer. I have tried multiple switches from Radio Shack and they all seem to let power through when they are switched off. Most cars have around 14 volts and these are all 12V automotive switches. When I hook them up I and turn the switch on I get my 14V, but when I flip the switch off I still get around 2V. I need the switch to kill all the power. Is this normal? If this is normal with RadioShack switches does anyone know of good place to get good switches in So CAL?

**MatrixPC** · 06-02-2004, 12:41 AM

Either Fry Electronic or dig thru the Yellow Page for local electronic shop.
A rocker type switch shouldn't pass current.
If you are around central OC, there are 2 places I know of. Sav-On electronic on Harbor Blvd and 22 Fwy and JK Electronic on Westminster Blvd between Edward and Springdale/405 Fwy.
Well other place you should try is local autopart places Kragen, Autozone, Pepboy. They all have switch for lights. Pepboy have some nice looking one.

**eCar™** · 06-02-2004, 03:51 AM

Not to sound mean, but if you are getting the same results with more than one switch, the problem is not likely in the switches.

When you are measuring the 2V, is the meter the only thing that is connected to the switch?

**Ormo** · 06-02-2004, 04:56 AM

Has the switch been mounted when you are checking it? Some switches use their metal case as grounding and if you are taking your earth from elsewhere it could be grounded 2V out... unlikely though...

Other question, is it just a regular switch you are using from radio shack or is it a "light up" style switch? The light up one may be leaking power through from it's supply for its led. If thats the case try with a regular non-light up one.

**veetid** · 06-02-2004, 01:26 PM

Its a light up switch from RadioShack... 12V 25A automotive switch.. It has three connectors.. Power/Load/Ground... The casing for the switch is plastic and you actually connect your ground to it. What sucks is I cut an opening for the switch and mounted it in my car, now if I get a different switch I have to try and find one that is the same size or I will have a hole in my dash...

It works in the sense that when you cut it off it kills 12V, but when you are sending it 14V, 2V is leaking out the other side... I will try to go to pep boys today and get a better switch..

Will all light up switches have this problem?

**SAScooby** · 06-02-2004, 02:06 PM

if you switch it off and your meter shows a reading (2v) and you come back to it in an hour does it still show 2v or has it dropped off to nothing ?

Let me know

cheers

**veetid** · 06-04-2004, 04:20 PM

I let the switch stay off for around 2 hours and there was still 2V coming out the other end..

**eCar™** · 06-04-2004, 05:11 PM

Is the switch in the circuit or not? What is on the circuit?

**veetid** · 06-04-2004, 09:25 PM

Not sure what you mean, but the switch has three connectors Power/Load/Ground. Power is run to the positive side of the battery, the ground is run to the frame, and the load is run to my amp. When the switch is on, everything works perfect. When the switch is off, the amp does not work, but I do notice 2V still leaking through the switch... I am not sure if this is bad or not, but it just seemed like it shouldn't happen.

**coachreed** · 06-04-2004, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Ormo

Other question, is it just a regular switch you are using from radio shack or is it a "light up" style switch? The light up one may be leaking power through from it's supply for its led. If thats the case try with a regular non-light up one.

Originally Posted by veetid

Its a light up switch from RadioShack...

This was my thought when I first started reading the thread... lighted switch... most likely your problem. I'd be REALLY surprised if it was the switch as you stated you tried multiple switches... try a NON-lighted switch and then get back with us.

TTYL!

Coach... aka Randy!