Flossie

Well-Known Member

• Dec 18, 2019

• #1

My, original I think, main light switch has packed up. I run the headlamps through relays so I'm wondering if it's worth getting another Lucas(would have to mail order=waiting) or a britpart one (available locally and much cheaper too).
Being as the contacts now have a much easier life with the relays would a britpart one be OK does one think?
It's the previous td5 type with bullet terminals PRC 3430 or summit.

 

Ian Maycock

Well-Known Member

• Dec 18, 2019

• #2

Wouldn’t like to say , it could go either way last ages or pack up in a week . There is a second alternative replace it with a carling switch or similar wouldn’t have to worry again , it’s what I’m planning when I get round to it after I’ve done the head light wiring upgrade Xmas .

 

mystery

Well-Known Member

• Dec 19, 2019

• #3

you may find the s-itpart and the Locas part are probably manufactured in the same place probably the same part like most items these days blue box or green and white only difference is the price ,I assume you are
talking about the column switch (prc3430 summit) and not the main dash lighting switch,

 

Disco1BFG

Well-Known Member

Full Member

• Dec 19, 2019

• #4

Ian Maycock said:

There is a second alternative replace it with a carling switch or similar wouldn’t have to worry again , it’s what I’m planning when I get round to it after I’ve done the head light wiring upgrade Xmas .

Click to expand...

+1 - Given that the Prince of Darkness and Sh*tpart are such a lottery , my vote is also for a Carling switch ..... like this:-

https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/electrical/carling-switches/carling-on-on-off-switch-941.html

( you need the switch cover/actuator as well BTW - a whole £1.20 ish )

And I know you've still got a wait for this - so, if the blue box "thing" is cheap enough, then buy that, treat it as disposable whilst you wait for a proper switch to turn up

 

zeaphod

Well-Known Member

• Dec 19, 2019

• #5

I replaced mine in October with a genuine Lucas switch. The quality of it was awful, I'd buy a blue box one. Or just clean the old switch contacts - the back of the switch is open.

 

Flossie

Well-Known Member

• Dec 19, 2019

• #6

Why do the replies come in AFTER I've purchased a Lucas one!.
Can't wait for parts to arrive so I drove to craddocks this morning , 46 mile round trip, to pick one up.
Indeed, looking at the new Lucas one, made in china btw, I could have possibly repaired the old one as mentioned, the contacts are open and fairly easy to repair
Carling switch is a good idea as well, I already have them for hazards, hrw, interior lights, fogs.
Still got room for a couple more as well.
3 year warranty iirc on the Lucas, 1year on the britpart.

 

Europa486

Well-Known Member

• Dec 19, 2019

• #7

I use carling switches on my aircraft magnetos switches,
That speaks volumes about their quality and reliability,

 

Flossie

Well-Known Member

• Dec 21, 2019

• #8

The old switch has no manufacturers name on at all, the new has Lucas on it.
Maybe a previous owner stuck an aftermarket one on, I've owned her for 18yrs.
All working good now.