silly noob question about a switch

[drypulse]

so i've searched and searched tryin to avoid asking this question and looking stupid, but....

this switch has four leads and i was wondering if it matters which two i use?

 

[bstedh]

Just use an multimeter to see how they act. Without the specs somebody who has used them will have to chime in =] I would assume they are tied together or two are just added to make a more secure mount to the board.

Just read the web site and they are SPST so either two legs are tied to one side of the switch and two to the other or two legs are just for support. If they are tied two together I would wire to both to help spread the current across the switch and hopefully extend their life.

 

[Scubabatdan]

I Always use the oppisite corners... does not matter which two. Then I cut the other two off to avoid shorts.
Thats how I do it in small areas. If you have room do what bsedh said use all 4, nice to have backups
Dan

 

[breaktru]

It's a Double Poll switch. If you parallel the two set contacts you can double the amperage going thru it.

Note:
In a Series Circuit, Current remains the same but Voltage divides.
In a Parallel Circuit, Current divides and Voltage remains the same. (like paralleling the sw contacts)

 

[Dalton63841]

It's a Double Poll switch. If you parallel the two set contacts you can double the amperage going thru it.

Note:
In a Series Circuit, Current remains the same but Voltage divides.
In a Parallel Circuit, Current divides and Voltage remains the same. (like paralleling the sw contacts)

So what you are saying is that paralleling the wiring on this switch would help prevent premature death due to their low rating? I know they are used alot without issue, but I'm just curious if my train of though is correct.

 

[AttyPops]

It's a Double Poll switch. If you parallel the two set contacts you can double the amperage going thru it.

Note:
In a Series Circuit, Current remains the same but Voltage divides.
In a Parallel Circuit, Current divides and Voltage remains the same. (like paralleling the sw contacts)

Leads to more questions... .lol.... see post #5 for example.

P.S. He's correct, of course. However, I just go by the amperage rating of the switch.

P.P.S. The internal contacts wear out fast on low-amp stuff (sparks and arcs).

 

[breaktru]

Yes even doubled it is still way underrated.
Can of worms, good one Atty LOL

 

[MickeyRat]

I'm using that same switch in a mod now but, it's just powering the gate on a MOSFET. If you use that for running the atomizer directly, I doubt it'll hold up long. Like bstedh, I just checked things out with an ohmeter to figure out how I wanted to wire it.

 

[Ceegary]

Hi guys, I'm about to start my first mod and have never used Mosfets before and plan an using the same switch. Would this Mosfet from Mouser work?.. BUK6218-40C,118 NXP Semiconductors MOSFET Power Exactly how would I hook it up?

My voltage going to the attie will be just under 4.3v coming off a regulated board but I'm not building the board, I'm adapting a gizmo to it so I don't know how to find the regulator pin and just want to add a mosfet to the tactile switch.