Where to buy a 36V 30A switch ???

[cosmicman]

Hi, I've tried looking everywhere for a 36v 30 amp switch, rocker type, or anything of that nature, to kill the power from the battery when the bike's not in use.. I would be happy if I found one, a waterproof one would be even better, but I've had no such luck anywhere on the net.

Does such a switch even exist ???

Has anyone any ideas where to find one online ?

 

[Doctorbass]

30A 36V is same as 30A 32V common rated car accesory switch..

I think you can find some in your local car accessory store.. (electrical department)

I know they exist.. here at Canadiantire in Canada we have them,

Otherwise on ebay.. there is alot of them

Doc

 

[torker]

If you look at automotive switches they are usually rated for higher voltage like Doctorbass said. For waterproof you might check out a motorsports / boat shop. Marine switches usually have good brass contacts/ terminals for less corrosion.

 

[Demosthenes]

They definitely exist, I found lots on my search. Try and find one that is DPDT, now that is the challenge! I'm probably going to make my own. Do a search for a battery disconnect switch, you'll find lots.

 

[Tiberius]

Two points to watch out for here.

The rating on a switch is different for AC and DC, check which one they are quoting. The DC rating is usually a lot less than the AC rating.

Secondly, the use it gets put to on an e-bike is different to what it was designed or rated for. The quoted rating is mainly about the voltage and current it can disconnect. Eg, a 30 A automotive switch might be for turning headlights on and off. On an e-bike, normally one would turn it off after closing the throttle, so the turn off current is low - except in an emergency disconnect.

Against that is the punishment the switch gets on turn on. Turning on headlights or a similar load is a mild affair compared to turning on the power to a motor controller. The controller has capacitors that have to be charged, there is an enormous inrush current and this can cause arcing at the switch contacts.

Basically, go for a high DC rating; try to get some margin on both voltage and current. But don't get too hung up on the quoted specs. They may not represent how long it actually lasts in this application.

Nick

 

[SilverSurfer]

I havent installed one yet, but installing a switch is something I have already figured out! You can do a search for "battery isolation switch" You will find tons of them, all kinds of quality and prices, and even Keyed! Oh yes, when theyre on, THEYRE ON! They got single battery versions, double battery versions - bank one OR bank two, and combo versions - bank one OR bank two OR both! And any of them can be gotten with keyed operation as well, in a variety of volatage and amperages to make you quit wondering what youre gonna do! Question will be, which one you gonna use!

 

[kriskros]

i got a keyed switch with wires from its electric.ca... ikthink its a clyte item

 

[cosmicman]

Thanks for the help guys, a marine switch I think is the way to go and I've seen a quite a few already online - I just didn't think to look in that direction, but they seem perfect for what I need.

 

[kevinbell]

Use a DC Circuit breaker from Surplus Center # 11-3198-150 (48v 150 amps)

 

[John in CR]

30A 36V is same as 30A 32V common rated car accesory switch..

I think you can find some in your local car accessory store.. (electrical department)

I know they exist.. here at Canadiantire in Canada we have them,

Otherwise on ebay.. there is alot of them

Doc

That makes a lot of sense Doc. On one of my bikes I use a key switch that I think is meant for a car, and 2 pairs of the wires have pretty good thickness. I just use it to power up my controller (all I believe is necessary on a brushless unless you're parking for an extended time like weeks or more), but since it handles some significant DC power, those things may even have precharge resistors built in.

A switch used for lights on big trucks might be a good one too, since there's quite a bit of power run through them, so again a precharge resistor could be part of the design.

Marine use stuff commonly has 24v designs and significant power ratings, but as the case with anything marine, the price is multiplied.