SMC Discussion Areas

Does anyone have a 4 wire switch available for sale?  Getting ready to re-assemble a 81, and thats the part I am lacking.  Thanks. 

Hmmm, which machines use them. Any of the square tops?

If you can't find one, you could replace the ballast which would allow 2 wire push buttons I believe.

      It's probably a good idea to just plan this into a restoration, since the ballast is in such a hard to reach location.

I definitely will replace the ballast, not an option in this case, does anyone have the wiring diagram for a 2 wire switch, versus the 4 wire option?  Tks  M

Good discussion as i just ran out of my last 4 wire switch as well and now am faced with replacing ballast and switch.

I know that Funtronics sells the ballast ,but didn't see the swithc, ,is it just any old 2 wire switch that I can pick up at Home Depot ? and how does the wiring work .. a diagram would be excellent since it will be different.

Thanks
John

I covered this before {converting from a 4-wire (push to start/pre-heat type) to a 2-wire (instant-start), but I see that the diagram is gone (like all of the other early post pictures) I'll seen if I have another diagram on my old IDE "drive in a can" (external IDE hard-drive case) from back then...

Thanks

here's a basic instant start ballast diagram

Now compare it to this pre-heat circuit diagram

Now the old push-to-start type...

I think I saw a 4-wire switch at Menards in their specialty devices section.  I remember thinking that I wish I would have seen them when I was redoing my 81D.  Since I didn't need one at the time I didn't look too closely but I recall it having 2 black and 2 blue wires which it what my original switch had.  I'll try to stop by and see if my memory is correct or if I was just not paying close enough attention.

BrianS:  if menards has one, please grab one for me, I looked online, didn't see it.  Tks

I found this Leviton 9382 switch, which they apparently don't make anymore.  Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.fruitridgetools.com/storefrontprofiles/DeluxeSFItemDetail.aspx?sfid=136763&i=12908895&c=0

UPDATE: just realized they are all out of stock...

Ebay has a couple, search "Leviton 9382"

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=leviton+9382&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Thanks for the links, I got my stock pile refilled. I was down to one left before tonight!

Joey

Ok I'm confused. I got some new ballast from Funtronics bit says preheat start. So do I need to wire in a starter on this assembly then. And where do I put it and what size do I need?

Hope Funtronics chimes in here, cause I have no idea.
Creighton

My local hardware store has a couple switches in stock, about $9 each if I can help anyone out.

No, "pre-heat" is just the type of ballast it is, it may be used in any pre-heat circuit with a starter or 4-wire switch, just wire it like I showed you in the 4-wire switch diagram.

Ok so it i don't use a 4 wire switch. And just a two wire  is a starter required

Starters are rated by the lamp wattage, (listed on the starters can)

Here's a link for those of you who are lazy bones....http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/fluorescent-lamp-starters/ballasts/lighting/ecatalog/N-9fe (http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/fluorescent-lamp-starters/ballasts/lighting/ecatalog/N-9fe)

Good hunting.   :upside:

Well my memory was both right and wrong.  Menard's was the wrong store but I did see the switches at a different store.  Only problem is that it is out of town.  Called them and they say they have 5 in stock.  I asked them to hold them for me as I will be going through there next week.  They are 4-wire switches, with two black wires, two blue wires.  I will probably keep one but let me know if anyone out there wants any of the others.  They said they were $9.49 each, which sounds a little high, but if you can't get them anymore I guess a couple bucks is no big deal.

Spares are spoken for!!

Another thing to consider...
When replacing a ballast with n electronic version, you do not need a four wire/pigtail switch, only two wires are needed for the circuit.

the ballast that funtronics sells requires the 4 wire switch... if someone has a source for a different ballast that can accomodate a two wire I'd be interested to know.
and that two wire switch is it just a toggle style like on and off or some thing different.

Thanks
john

Roberstsondirect.com has any and every ballast you could ever want.