Voltage and Impedance Switches

[Bombacaototal]

I am curious to what make and part number are folks here using for voltage and Impedance rotary switches.

For the voltage I am looking for 110/120/220/230/240 and therefore need at least 5 positions. I am struggling to find Fender export style. It seems like due to current regualtion these need to be more marhsall style, where you have to deliverately make the change...I have managed to find 2 position switches but nothing that fits what I need

For the impedance would be 3 (4/8/16). I could only as well find it larger Marhsall style. Ideally I would like it more as a pot.

Many thanks!

[sluckey]

I think it's a dangerous idea to put a voltage selector on a switch with a knob.

Hoffman sells an excellent impedance selector switch...

[R.G.]

There is a reason that regulations have favored requiring a user to make a positive, alert effort to change the input voltage setting on equipment. If you are running from one of the 200+ AC power voltages and accidentally move the switch to a 100+ voltage setting, that amounts to betting your amplifier, and possibly your speakers and the rest of your rig, and the building and maybe your life that the mains fuse opens properly to prevent the resulting meltdown and fire.

Seriously, unless there is a major, huge, overriding reason to let the user accidentally bump the switch to a wrong position, why would you ever use a switch that lets the (possibly uneducated or not-too-bright) user make the mistake?

[Reeltarded]

why would you ever use a switch that lets the (possibly uneducated or not-too-bright) user make the mistake?

Less competition in the market. Faster commute times. Easy dinner reservations.

It's a not-so-bright switch!

[Bombacaototal]

I found this Fender style rotary switch but it is 6 positions and I need 5
https://www.banzaimusic.com/voltage-sel ... d6080.html

Thanks R.G. And Reel it is indeed a valid safety point (although I am building the amp for home use and not for commercialising) but better to go for the safest option

As far as Marshall style the closest I could find is a Schurter SWP 6 position 100/120/200/220/230/240

https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/ ... QCeZGX4A==

This is the data sheet catalog but it seems they do not have the values I need on a 5 position

https://www.schurter.com/datasheet/SWP

[Bombacaototal]

I think it's a dangerous idea to put a voltage selector on a switch with a knob.

Hoffman sells an excellent impedance selector switch...

Thanks Sluckey. I think the below is similar to the Hoffman (but in EU)
https://www.banzaimusic.com/Rotary-Switch-1x3-BBM.html

[Reeltarded]

I have a diabolical proposal.

Put both on one switch.

[R.G.]

Thanks R.G. And Reel it is indeed a valid safety point (although I am building the amp for home use and not for commercialising) but better to go for the safest option

Just curious - if it's primarily for your home use, is a voltage selector switch necessary? I don't know where you live, but there are only a few places in the world where one would necessarily need to have AC voltages switches. They do exist, but they're uncommon. You may need one if you live in places with multiple AC voltages, but maybe not. Hard-wiring is cheaper than a hard-to-find switch.

[Bombacaototal]

Hi R.G. sorry for not being very clear on my previous message. What I mean is that I am building an amp for my own use. I live in the UK but often have to take gear to play in other places (Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, etc). A voltage switch is more reliable than having the converters in my opinion.

I also tend to move residencies which also vary in Countries and Continents from time to time.

[pompeiisneaks]

why would you ever use a switch that lets the (possibly uneducated or not-too-bright) user make the mistake?

Less competition in the market. Faster commute times. Easy dinner reservations.

It's a not-so-bright switch!

I prefer the term Darwin Switch

~Phil

[sluckey]

I prefer the term Darwin Switch

Yes! A potential candidate for a Darwin Award.

[R.G.]

Hi R.G. sorry for not being very clear on my previous message. What I mean is that I am building an amp for my own use. I live in the UK but often have to take gear to play in other places (Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, etc). A voltage switch is more reliable than having the converters in my opinion.

I also tend to move residencies which also vary in Countries and Continents from time to time.

And that is a perfectly reasonable rationale for doing this. Go ahead - but pick something safe.

[Reeltarded]

[
And that is a perfectly reasonable rationale for doing this. Go ahead - but pick something safe.

Like two impedance selectors in combinations with red knobs so people will know not to turn them and don't mark the voltage steps so only you can operate them... or use pictograms. A burning harbor for Japan.. flavorless chocolate for Switzerland.. an angry guy with no tan for Norway. Italy is a bunch of people arguing on how to do a single thing. Be creative.

People are afraid to turn a red chicken head. Might want to put them on the front near the inputs so you can keep an eye on them.

[Reeltarded]

But seriously, the Marshall style switch that is ROW (specialty for Japan ROW?) has all the selections. Not all of them do, there is one for Japan.. weird.

Its not cheap, but the converters that do frequency are the best. We know this already, I think.

[Bombacaototal]

It looks like the Schurter SWP part #0033.1127 will be my best option
https://www.schurter.com/en/datasheet/SWP

It has 6 position 100/120/200/220/230/240V from which 5 are exactly what I need.

Given my PT has all of them except for the 200V I will have one of the six position doing nothing (position #3). What shall I do with that specific position? Should I ground it and maybe add a black tape on top of the 200V writing?

For future reference for anyone in the EU this is what I will use for the impedance selector: https://www.tubeampdoctor.com/en/shop_S ... i_Kits_894