Key switch for cockpit cab

[flyguy1821]

Hello, I am still trying to get all of the logistics down before I begin building my 2 person cockpit cab.  I do have a wiring question.  I want to use a Key switch (for looks) to turn on power to everything else.  The switch I have is a 3A switch.  I am new to all of this but I don't think this will work.  I will be powering a TV, receiver, panel amp, PS2, and a fan.  My thought is if this switch is turned on 1st and the current is continuous will this fry the switch?  I am thinking so.  And if yes anyone know where to get a beefier key switch?  Thanks for any help.

[oldsage]

Hello, I am still trying to get all of the logistics down before I begin building my 2 person cockpit cab.

[NoOne=NBA=]

You could use one of THESE to trigger a Smart Strip.

They are just a momentary switch, like any other arcade button.
You turn the key to close the switch, and it returns to open when you let go.

They pop up on ebay from time to time.
I've seen them go anywhere from $0.01 (which I didn't get because my cable went out with 5 seconds to go in the auction) to $15.00 (which is what I had to pay to get mine because of the aforementioned cable outage).

[Flinkly]

well, along the same lines with the bits limited power strip, you could turn on your computer, and have everything else turn on too.  cept you'd still need the momentary switch...am i just repeating the same things as the last post?

[Hoagie_one]

if youcant find a momentary key switch you like, you could find a regular key switch and put a momentary button next to it.  So you have to turn the key and then push the button to start it up.

[Flinkly]

wait, do you mean a key switch like as in a car ignition?  oh man, do i feel dumb.  i just figured you had a special name for one of those toggle switches that we all equate to missile fire buttons, with the little red guard on them.  it looks like the happs switch has a spring on it, so it would be just like a momentary switch.  you just turn it and then let go, like in a car.  ponyboy could probably get you a better price for that, but you'd be paying 60 bucks for the look.  but just to sumarize, if you hook everything up with a bits limited power strip and then use that as your computer start switch, everything would work like you want it to.  just don't hold the switch down too long.

[flyguy1821]

Since I am still designing all of this it could be any type of key switch, momentary or not.  Here is another question that might be a little better.  In a momentary switch that is rated, lets say, 3A once it is closed and current is flowing through does it really matter the amperage of the switch since it is kind of bypassing the switch now?  My thought process tells me that with all I am trying to hook up to the switch if it is a general on/off 2 position switch it will have to be rated higher than the load.  I hope this is making sense and I am not making this too hard!!

[Flinkly]

DON'T MAKE A HUGE CIRCUIT TO TURN EVERYTHING ON...

i hope i made that clear.