Switch help please.

[blackrodd]

The in-line rocker switch On my Unimat SL lathe is broken, It's original, same as a small table lamp!
I've knocked up a 20"x 12" wide box, out of ply and offcuts etc, with a full width drawer,3 1/2"deep, underneath for tools and accessories, the lathe being bolted to the top.
Having used the lathe yesterday, for the first time, As an afterthought I would like to fit the usual on/off switch but it will need to be small and surface fitting.
Knowing nothing about electrics, but understanding that the switch needs to be the right one for the 240v 95 watt motor, would someone be able to suggest the right switch, please.
Many thanks and regards Rodders

 

[Shrubby]

I found a neglected Unimat SL and used a simple rocker switch salvaged from a Krups esspresso machine. The lathe is screwed to a 50mm thick wooden base with all electrics hidden inside, the switch is a push fit into a rectangular hole in the front left corner. There are lots of similar on the 'bay listed as DPST 16A illuminated rocker switch. Isolating the machine for maintenance is achieved by unplugging it. It's not an NVR but the illuminated switch somewhere prominent is fine for my needs
Matt

 

[blackrodd]

I found a neglected Unimat SL and used a simple rocker switch salvaged from a Krups esspresso machine. The lathe is screwed to a 50mm thick wooden base with all electrics hidden inside, the switch is a push fit into a rectangular hole in the front left corner. There are lots of similar on the 'bay listed as DPST 16A illuminated rocker switch. Isolating the machine for maintenance is achieved by unplugging it. It's not an NVR but the illuminated switch somewhere prominent is fine for my needs
Matt

Thanks for the reply Matt, Sounds just the thing, Rodders

 

[DTR]

SWMBO's little Burgess bandsaw came fitted with a neon rocker switch. Within a month or two it had eaten several switches. Admittedly they were cheapo Maplin switches I was putting in, but still....

I think these rocker switch contacts aren't suitable for dealing with the back EMF every time the motor is switched off. The snap-action of a NVR switch is a lot more reliable. Not trying to put you off using a rocker switch, hopefully it will work fine, just something to bear in mind

 

[blackrodd]

DTR, Thanks for the reply. This is what concerns me, not knowing the right switch, from the wrong switch. Can you recommend a nvr switch for a 95 watt motor please?
Thanks and regards Rodders

 

[Shrubby]

The German switch I used has lasted 10+ years.It's rated at 10 amps. My big vacuum has the same switch for each motor they are 1200 watts each which is way more than the little brush motor in the unimat
I always take advice from industrial electiricians and tend to use brands they recommend -Kraus & naimer, Klockner moeller are two from memory
Matt

 

[DTR]

It's not the amperage that's the problem, it's the arc that occurs across the switch contacts when they open.

Like I said, I'm not trying to put anyone off using a rocker switch. But an NVR switch from Axminster doesn't cost much, and has other benefits apart from the reliability.

 

[DTR]

This is the switch I used:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-nvr-switch

We have two of these; one on SWMBO's bandsaw and one on my Myford. They didn't come with the big red button as pictured though, just the standard red and green buttons that you'd expect to see.