3PDT On/On/Off 3-Way Switch

3PDT On/On/Off 3-Way Switch

AC 250V 3A 9 Pin Switch Momentary Push Button Foot Pedal Electric Guitar Effect Box Latching

     The 3PDT switch consists of 3 independent 3-terminal switches operated at the same time by a single push cap (3 poles, 2 throws). The 9 solder lugs are arranged in a 3 x 3 grid; the lugs in the middle row are the common terminal of each switch. When the cap is pressed, the common lugs connect to the side lugs on one side, and on the next press they move to the side lugs on the other side. The switch is latching (ON-ON): when the cap is released it keeps its last position, and every press changes the position.

     The metal push cap and metal mounting frame withstand being pressed by foot; the contact block is inside the blue plastic body. The threaded shaft fits a 12mm panel hole and is tightened to the enclosure with two nuts. The switching rating is 2A at 250V AC and 4A at 125V AC. Overall height is 42mm, the body is 17mm x 20mm and the weight is about 20gr.

     Because all 3 poles change at the same time, it is widely used as the true bypass switch in guitar effect pedals: two of the poles switch the input and output signal between the effect circuit and the direct line, and the third pole lights the LED that shows the effect is on. It can be used in any foot control that must change 3 separate circuits with a single press.

Key features:

     3 independent poles, one press: 3 separate circuits change at the same time with one press; the poles are insulated from each other, so different signals can pass through the same switch.

     Latching action (ON-ON): On every press the common lugs move from one side to the other and the switch stays in that position; there is no need to keep the foot pressed.

     Metal build for foot operation: The metal cap, threaded metal shaft and metal frame sit firmly on the top of the pedal enclosure; it is fixed with two nuts and washers.

     True bypass and LED indicator: Two poles switch the signal path while the third pole drives the status LED; it fits the well-known wiring of guitar effect pedals directly.

     9 solder lugs: The 9 lugs in a 3 x 3 grid are soldered directly to wires; the middle row is the common terminals.

Features:

• Product type: 3PDT push foot switch (pedal switch)
• Model: 3PDT On/On/Off 3-Way Switch
• Contact arrangement: 3 poles 2 throws (3PDT), 3 independent switches
• Action: Latching (ON-ON), position changes on every press and is kept when released
• Number of pins: 9 (3 x 3 grid, middle row common)
• Terminal: Solder lugs
• Switching rating (250V AC): 2A
• Switching rating (125V AC): 4A
• Contact resistance: 50mΩ max
• Insulation resistance: 100MΩ min (500V DC)
• Dielectric strength: 1000V AC min, 1 minute
• Electrical life: About 10,000 presses
• Operating temperature: About -25°C - 85°C
• Mounting hole: 12mm (threaded shaft, fixed with 2 nuts)
• Material: Metal push cap, shaft and frame; plastic contact body
• Colour: Silver / Blue
• Dimensions: 17mm x 20mm body, 14.5mm body height, 10mm cap diameter, 42mm overall height
• Weight: About 20gr

Usage information:

• Drill a 12mm hole in the top of the enclosure. Use the lower nut to set how far the shaft comes out of the enclosure, insert the switch from inside, fit the washers and tighten with the upper nut from the outside. Leave about 25mm of depth inside the enclosure for the body and solder lugs.
• The common lug of each pole is in the middle row. Before wiring, check with a multimeter which side lug is connected to the common lug, press the cap once and check the other position as well.
• Solder the lugs quickly; prolonged heat can soften the plastic contact body and damage the contact. Insulate the solder joints with heat shrink tubing.

Applications:

•  Guitar effect pedal building (true bypass switch)
•  Bass guitar effect pedals
•  Overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedal kits
•  Amp channel selector foot control
•  A/B signal selector boxes
•  Looper and effect loop boxes
•  Pedalboard and effect pedal repair, replacing an old switch
•  Signal mute foot box
•  Foot-operated controls that change 3 circuits at the same time

Precautions:

•  The switch has two positions (ON-ON): on every press the common lugs move from one side to the other; there is no separate centre OFF position. To switch a circuit OFF, leave one of the side lugs of that pole unconnected.
•  It is latching and does not work momentarily: if you need a foot control that works only while pressed, use a momentary type switch.
•  Do not exceed 2A at 250V AC; switch high-current loads such as motors and heaters through a relay, not directly. With mains voltage the solder lugs are exposed, insulate them.
•  Do not overtighten the mounting nut and do not apply side load when pressing the cap with your foot; the shaft and plastic body can be damaged.

Package contents:

•  1 Piece 3PDT On/On/Off 3-Way Switch
•  2 Pieces metal nut ( Assembled )
•  1 Piece toothed metal washer ( Assembled )
•  1 Piece plastic washer ( Assembled )
•  Note: Cable, LED and pedal enclosure are not included in the package.