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Frequently-Asked Questions
FAQs
Our number one question
Remind
me about SPST, DPDT etc...
Select a topic:
General Questions
Battery-Related
products
Circuit
Protection
Dimmer Switches
Ignition Switches
Push-Pull Switches
Senders
Solenoids
Toggle & Rocker Switches
Wiper Switches
General
Questions
Q:
How do I connect a specific Cole Hersee part?
Locate
the part in our Interactive
Catalog. Each part has a full description, with a drawing, and oftentimes
a wiring diagram.
If
you are still having difficulties, you should consult an electrical professional.
If you make an improper connection you could cause damage or injury.
Q:
How do I find a substitute part?
Consult
the Alternate Part Number List.
Not all parts have a known substitute, and the Alternate Parts List refers only to parts that are electrically identical, or a close match. OR
Use the Interactive
Catalog.
Search by means of
the characteristics (top right). Unless you have a very specific application,
it is highly likely that your search will suggest alternates.
Q:
There's an electrical term
I don't understand.
Check
the Dictionary of Terms in the
Resource Center.
Q:
Where can I buy Cole Hersee parts?
For
Original Equipment Manufacturers:
Check the Cole Hersee Rep
List.
Our representative will be happy to follow up. All other enquirers :
Contact
Cole Hersee for your nearest distributor sales@colehersee.com
Q: The Cole Hersee
catalog rates most of the switches at 12V DC. Can they be safely used in a 24V
application?
Sometimes.
Items such as Solenoids and Illuminated Switches must be used at the rated current
and voltage due to the internal components.
Ignition, push-pull, momentary,
door and other types of non-illuminated switches can be used in a 24V system,
with one proviso. For a 24V application you must de-rate the current capability
of a 12V product.
De-rating.
Using Ohm's Law, if you double the voltage, you must divide
the current in half. For example, if you have a 12V, 20A product, you can use
it in a 24V, 10A system
Q:
I don't see what I need,
can Cole Hersee make it for me?
Probably.
1. All Cole Hersee parts are designed to be adaptable. For example if the part you see has screw terminals, we can probably make it with blade or wire terminals, or we can connect it to any connector. Such adaptations can usually be made quickly and at low cost.2. Our engineers are adept at working with OEM engineers to design a switching solution from the ground up. Contact us. sales@colehersee.com
In both cases there are minimum quantity requirements: we cannot accommodate requests for individual
or small lots.
Q:
Do you have switches for my boat?
Yes
we do! We have decades of experience in designing switches to withstand rugged environments.
The main factor in determining if a switch is capable of withstanding
the harsh marine environment is corrosion resistance. Steel and salt water are
not a good combination! Switches constructed from brass are good for marine use,
as are those made of plastic. Many Cole Hersee switches are encapsulated in plastic
to give added weather-resistance, and many switches are UL or CE or USCG-rated.
Q: Is there
any advantage to screw or blade terminals on a switch?
If
the component is a replacement, try to obtain the same type of termination, because
it makes your job easier. Screw terminals require more time to install than blade
terminals do, but usually perform better on vehicles due to vibration.
Q:The catalog
shows two switches that appear to be identical, except that one has a higher current rating.
How can this be, and why does one cost more?
A switch with a higher rating will have more
expensive internal components (bronze, copper, silver, and sometimes gold), therefore
the cost is higher.
Always select a switch that meets (or just exceeds) your
needs: otherwise you will pay for extra capability that you don't need, or the
switch might fail if it doesn't meet your specs.
Cole Hersee offers a broad range of switches in different current ratings to allow
you to buy the product that best suits your needs, at the best price.
Q:
What is a Packard Connector?
Sounds
like something that only fits your granddad's old car, but no. It's an industry
standard connector formerly made by the Packard Electric Company (now owned by
Delphi.) The name of the connector stays the same though.
Take care:
there are several Delphi (Packard) connectors: CH 74600-02 electronic dimmer switch
has a 3-pole Packard #298437CH 95408 ignition switch
mates with a 5-pole Packard #2984170CH 95410 ignition switch
mates with a 7-pole Packard #6288702
We can make
all of these switches with any connectors that your heart desires! You just need
to be able to order enough so that we can make a batch that's economical for you.
Contact our Sales Department sales@colehersee.com
They can help you out.
Battery-Related
Products
Q:
What is the voltage drop
between the center stud (alternator terminal) and the
battery terminals?
The forward
voltage drop is approximately from 0.7V to 1V (Function of the forward current)
Q: According
to the wiring diagram the battery to the "S" must be connected to the
primary terminal (yellow wire). My alternator does not have an "S" terminal.In
this case disregard this part of the installation instruction.
Q: How is the Battery
Isolator current capability defined?
Maximum
alternator rating is the maximum charging current capability of the Battery Isolator
for both batteries.
Maximum current per leg is a half of the maximum
alternator current rating. |
Q: What type of Battery
Isolator should be used with the Delcotron CS Series alternator?
Use
the four terminal Battery Isolator (Cole Hersee 48122, 48092 or 48162).
The fourth
terminal (#10 stud) is used to excite the alternator. It supplies +12V to the
alternator when the ignition switch is turned On. |
Circuit
Protection
Q: What's the difference
between the
M-412 type Fuse Blocks and the 4622?
The
M-412 type is all brass construction and the 4622 has steel rivets in them.
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What size breaker or fuse can I use in a 46377 type Circuit Breaker/ Fuse Block?
The breaker or fuse should not be rated
for more than 25A per breaker or fuse with the total of all items used not to
be more than 150A. |
Dimmer
Switches
Q: How do I select
the right dimmer switch?
If you
need a replacement, take a look at the switch that's already there. Does it mount
on or through the floorboard, or on the panel (dashboard)?
All floor
switches are SPDT On - On (depress - release for low beam, depress - release for
high beam). All are made from corrosion-resistant diecast metal with moisture-repellent
insulators.
Variations are in the location of the mounting holes, and
the nature of the terminals ( lead, blade, bullet or screw).
Panel:
we suggest No. 7112
On the floorboard: (all are 3-blade)
7702
7762
7776
Through the floorboard:
7700 we recommend
this part where the switch may be exposed to roadsplash.
7769
7770
7771
7774
7775
7784
7786
7787
7789-02
Check
these items in our interactive catalog: they have listings for the OEM parts that
they replace. |
Q: What
is the advantage of using a Electronic Dimmer instead of the Rheostat type?
Solid state devices dissipate very
little power.
They are either
fully on or fully off. The power dissipation of a Rheostat Dimmer is proportional
to the maximum load current, independent of the position of the dimmer. The energy
used to overcome the resistance produces heat.
Electronic dimmers
are not load sensitive.
Changing the load (for example by adding or removing
a light) will not produce a noticeable difference in brightness of a light.
Electronic dimmers are considerably more efficient.
There is
less loss in the feed cables and substantially less loss (more than 50 times less)
in the dimmer unit itself. It therefore doesn't generate a noticeable amount of
heat. |
Q: Can I use Electronic Dimmers to control the speed of the motor?
No. Connecting inductive loads to dimmers can damage them.
There are Electronic Dimmers designed for inductive loads. They are
application specific. For details contact engineering@colehersee.com
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Senders
Q; What is the difference
between a sender and a switch?
A
switch creates a situation that is all or nothing. That is, it allows
current to flow or not to flow. The current that flows is not graduated, and is
suitable to actuate a pilot light.
A sender gives a variable signal of graduated
intensity that is suitable to actuate a gauge, indicating a certain level.
For example, on a car, a remote switch operates the 'idiot light' that warns you're about to run out of gas: the sender drives the needle on the gas gauge.
Our temperature switches have a mechanical contact that is actuated on or
off with changes in the temperature surrounding the switch.
Temperature senders have a resistive element that varies depending on the surrounding temperature.
The temperature sender provides a resistance value to the gauge, causing the gauge
to fluctuate.
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Q: Do you have other switches than what are listed in your catalog?
Yes.
Contact us to determine the part to fit your application. Sales@colehersee.com
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Q: Can I have a catalog pressure or temperature switch modified to meet my needs?
In most cases yes, if we do not already
have a suitable part in stock.
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Q:
What's the difference between an insulated and a non-insulated switch?
In an insulated switch, the contacts are
isolated from the chassis ground or engine block.
In a non-insulated
switch, the contacts short to the chassis ground or engine block when the switch
makes, essentially providing a ground connection to your load.
If the vehicle frame is non-conductive, you can't use a non-insulated switch. This is the case with most boats.
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Q: Can I use your non-insulated
pressure or temperature switches with 110V AC?
No.
These switches are not rated for 110V AC application. Have a knowledgeable electrician
determine suitability for your application.
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Q:
Can I use your pressure or temperature switches to operate a gauge?
No. You need a temperature or pressure sender.
Check our online catalog.
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Q:
Can your pressure switches handle more pressure than the On/Off rated pressure?
Generally yes. These switches have an On/Off
rated pressure and a higher safe burst pressure.
For your own safety your system
pressure should be less than the burst pressure. Before you install a pressure
switch, you should always determine your maximum system pressure first.
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Q: Can I use your pressure
and temperature switches at 24V?
Yes.
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Q:
Can I use the temperature senders listed in the catalog at higher than 12V?
No. Contact us for the proper part for your
application. Sales@colehersee.com
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Solenoids
Check the interactive
training section
Check the schematic diagrams
Cole Hersee types?
Change continuous for intermittent?
UL/CE?
Current draw?
Make & break?
Gets hot
Mounting?
Q: What types of
solenoids do you have?
You've
come to the right place for selection. We have about 50 of them! We have 12V,
24V, and 36V continuous or intermittent duty solenoids. We have steel or molded
bakelite housings. We have plasticized housings for weather-resistance. We even
have a Latching Solenoid, which is energized and de-energized by a momentary switch.
We have an Electronic Solenoid rated at 85A continuous that can be used for voltages
from 9 to 31. We have a 200A continuous duty solenoid, rated at 12V or 24V DC.
We manufacture lots of solenoids!
Q. Can you use a continuous duty solenoid in place of an intermittent duty solenoid?
Yes, you can use a Continuous Duty Solenoid, but it would have a shorter life expectancy compared to the Intermittent Duty Solenoid.
But you cannot use an Intermittent Duty Solenoid in place of a Continuous Duty Solenoid!
|
Q:
Do you have UL or CE listed solenoids?Oh
yes, we sure do! The online catalog can guide you to them. |
Q:
How much current does the control circuit in a solenoid draw?
Generally,
the control circuit for a continuous duty solenoid rated at 12V DC draws approximately
æ of an ampere. The control circuit for a 24V DC continuous duty solenoid draws
approximately 0.3 amps. An intermittent duty 12V DC solenoid draws approximately
3A, and the 24V DC about 1.2A.
|
Q:
My continuous duty solenoid gets hot.
Is something wrong?
The
coil circuit (control circuit) in a continuous duty solenoid is usually energized
for long periods of time. Under these conditions the coil will generate heat and
within less than an hour the solenoid housing will become hot to the touch. This
is normal. Always make sure that all wiring is properly sized for the load it
is carrying, that the terminals are the correct size and have been securely crimped
to the wire, that the terminals have the proper torque to the solenoid studs.
Alternatively, you might be able to use the Latching Solenoid that only needs
a one-time momentary actuation to stay in the On position.
|
Q: Are there any special
mounting instructions for solenoids?
Electromechanical
solenoids should be mounted on a non-vibrating surface such as a fender well or
firewall. They should not be mounted on a surface that vibrates such as an engine,
as this may reduce the lifetime of the component. Continuous duty solenoids should
be mounted in an area that has ventilation, as the coil circuit normally generates
heat.
Our research shows that
it might be best to mount the solenoid dimpled end down. Electromechanical switches
can over time build up deposits due to arcing. By orienting your solenoid as recommended,
deposits will have a tendency to fall to the bottom, clear of the contacts, thus
prolonging the life of the solenoid. On the other hand, electronic solenoids are
much more rugged, because they have no moving parts. They also will stand up to
an incredible one million On-Off cycles! | Q:
What is 'make' and 'break'?
Make
and break are terms which apply to any switching situation, but particularly to
Intermittent Duty Solenoids, where the buildup of heat can cause failure of the
component. Make
and break are RATINGS. A particular component, such as a solenoid, may be rated
for duty at a given amperage and voltage that should not be exceeded. Make
is when the switch (or solenoid) is turned On (the circuit is 'made'), and break
is when the switch is turned Off (the circuit is 'broken'). Such values would
need to be checked with an instrument such as a meter.
Note
also that Intermittent Duty Solenoids have a limitation on the time (duty cycle)
they may be kept On and the time they need to recover (to allow heat dissipation.)
Q: I just
installed a 24420 continuous duty solenoid on my road bus.
With no load on the
secondary contacts, the can runs warm to hot when energized. If this is a
normal event, then I have no problem.
I always assumed that continuous duty solenoids
ran cool.
When
the coil is energized continuously the heat from the coil circuit causes the can
to run warm to hot. This is normalCole
Hersee solenoids No. 24400, 24401, 24402, and 24401-01 are similar, but have two
modes of continuous duty service which makes them suitable for forward
and reverse systems in some applications.
Without the coil energized
the contacts which are closed are rated at 35A. In this instance the can should
not run hot. With
the coil energized the contacts which were closed open and the contacts which
were open close. The circuit that is closed is rated at 85A.
When the coil
is energized continuously the heat from the coil circuit causes the can to run
warm to hot. No.
24400, 24401, 24402, and 24401-01 are commonly used in forward and reverse systems
in golf carts, garden tractors, winches, fork lift trucks, and many other applications
Toggle and Rocker Switches
Q:
I need a refresher course on Single Pole/Double Pole and Single Throw/Double throw.
You're not alone. These diagrams should
help
1. simple
2. SPST
3. SPDT
4. DPST
5. DPDT |
Q:
Can I replace the bulb in any of your toggle or rocker switches?
The
bulbs are wired inside the switch and therefore cannot be replaced. We use a long
lasting bulb so that the need for bulb replacement is unlikely in a normal automotive
application, and we also have LED switches that never need replacement.
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Q: Can I use
your non-lighted toggle or rocker switches in 110V AC applications?
Except for switches M-493, 5507 and similar
switches, none of our switches are officially rated for AC voltage application.
While we are confident some of them can, it is totally up to the end user to determine
their suitability for such application.
|
Q:
Can I use your lighted rocker and toggle switches at 110V AC?
No |
Q: Can I use your lighted
rocker and toggle switches at 24V DC?
You need to select only the ones rated for 24V Sales@colehersee.com
|
Q:
Can I use your non-lighted toggle and rocker switches at 24V DC?
Yes.
They are rated at 12V, so you must reduce the amp rating by half to obtain the
same durability.
|
Q:
Can I get any of your toggle or rocker switches modified to meet my special application?
Yes, in most cases. It is possible we
make a suitable item already that isn't listed because of its specialized use.
Alternatively, we can make it for you. Naturally we have a minimum quantity requirement
for special orders.
|
Q:
Do your lighted toggle or rocker switches have incandescent or LED lamps?
We have both. Contact us if you need a
special order with LEDS: Sales@colehersee.com |
Q: Can I have my company's
imprinting placed on a rocker switch?
Yes.
Contact us. If it's a standard legend or SAE symbol, there's a chance that it's
already available.
|
Push-Pull
Switches
Q: What is the
preferred mounting for a Momentary Push-Pull Switch?
They
are best mounted on a vertical (or close to vertical) panel. Avoid mounting them
on an exposed panel that is more horizontal than vertical.
|
Q: Can I have a different
knob on my Push-Pull Switch?
Sure.
We have chromium-plated solid brass knobs in a variety of styles, or plastic knobs.
Our plastic knobs all have a metal core that provides a solid connection to the
spindle of the switch. You will need to consider shaft size, threads (if any)
and symbol or text. Check the online catalog under Accessories/Hardware/Knobs.
If you have a Master Catalog, see section Q.
|
Q:
I need to control one load from two different locations with a Push-Pull Switch.
Use our M-630 Push-Pull Switch. It's
an On-On switch. Install one in each location and wire them to control the Off-On
function of a single load.
|
Q:
I need to mount an SPST Push-Pull switch so that the knob side of the switch will
be exposed to the weather.
Try
not to mount it so that it will be exposed to the full force of nature. If it
has be exposed to the elements then the preferred mounting is on a vertical panel,
rather than being mounted at an angle to the weather. A switch such as our 50066
would be a good choice because it has an o-ring in the mounting stem that gives
an added protection against the inclemency of the weather.
|
Wiper
Switches
Q: What is the difference
between dynamic and non-dynamic brakes?
Your
vehicle has either a dynamic or non-dynamic (coast-to-park) braking mechanism
on the windshield wiper motor. If you are replacing a switch, you need to know
which type. This is all you need to know. Consult your Vehicle Owner's Manual.
For those who need to know how they work, read on...
Dynamic
brake:
Essentially, when you turn the wipers Off, they stop when they reach their park
position, but they get retarded electrically to bring the motor to a rapid stop.
When you turn the wiper switch Off and the wipers reach the park position (left
or right), the armature of the wiper motor is disconnected from the load and immediately
connected across ground. The motor then functions as a loaded generator and develops
a retarding torque that rapidly stops the motor.
Non-dynamic
brake:
Essentially, when
you turn the wipers off, they stop when they reach their park position. When you
turn the wiper switch Off the wipers continue to run by a separate set of contacts
mounted on the motor, until the wipers reach their park position. At this point
the contacts open, removing power thereby stopping the wiper motor. If the motor
is not in the park position for the wipers, it continues to run until it reaches
the park position and the switch opens as before.
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Q: What is the difference
between an electronic Windshield Wiper Switch and the Microprocessor Windshield
Wiper Switch?
Electronic Windshield
Wiper Switches are specific to a type of motor (with or without dynamic parking).
Switches designed to work with dynamic park motors: the PARK wire is blue.
Typical switches:
75600-01 12V DC, controls two motors
75602-02
24V DC, controls two motors
75600-02 12V DC, controls one motor, Packard
6-way
75600-05 12V DC, controls one motor, Packard 4-way
75600-07 12V
DC, controls one motor,
7-way connector Switches designed to work with
non-dynamic park (or coast-to-park) motors: the PARK wire is green.
Typical switches:
75601-02, 12V DC, controls two motors, Packard 8-way
75601-08, same as
75601-02 without knob Electronic switches have 7 leads
( 2 red leads).
Microprocessor based Windshield Wiper Switches can work
with both types of motors. They have 6 leads.
Typical switches:
75600 12V DC, with 8-way Packard connector
75600-04 12V DC, with 6 wire leads
75602-04 24V DC, with 6 wire leads
| Ignition
SwitchesQ:
Anti-Restart Ignition Switches.
What are they, and where should they
be used?
Series 956 anti-restart
Ignition Switches are regular ignition switches PLUS. Ever
been in your car not realizing the engine is running, and turned on the ignition,
only to hear a squealing and grinding of gears? Do it a few more times and you'll
burn out the starter motor!The
same thing happens with commercial vehicles. Not so much with heavy trucks, where
you can distinctly hear the engine running and feel the vibration, but definitely
in delivery vans. Often the driver will park at the curb, leave the engine running,
make a quick delivery, get back in the van and hit the ignition. Grind! Crunch!Cole
Hersee 956 Series Anti-Restart Ignition Switches prevent this happening. Your
delivery van fleet starter motors are safe!How
they work:
Most regular
ignition switches have three positions.
- Off:
key can be removed.Ignition
and accessories (radio, lights etc) are activated.
- Momentary
Start position runs the starter motor. This position is spring-loaded to return
to position 2 once the engine is running.
Now
if you don't realize the ignition switch is in position 2 (you think it's in position
1), you may be tempted to turn it to position 3 (you think you're turning to position
2) with loud and disastrous results!With
Cole Hersee 956 Series Ignition switches the driver cannot turned to Position
3 when the engine is running.
(If he wants to restart for
some reason, he'll have to turn the engine off, then restart).This
safeguard against burnt-out motors can be retrofitted into any kind of vehicle,
such as forklifts or mining vehicles (where the ambient noise is high). This
kind of 'lockout ignition' is available with a standard ignition key or with a
lever (for off-road applications).
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