<R92-N> What counts as a common household switch?

[NyCityKId]

I was wondering if anyone knew if a double pole double throw switch counts a common household switch.

[apalrd]

http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=16347

Originally Posted by GDC

For the purposes of the 2011 competition, a common household light switch is any electrical switch that would normally be mounted in a wall outlet box with household wiring, typically available at a home supply center (e.g. Lowes or Home Depot).

Minor modifications of the switch (e.g. removing the mounting tabs) are permitted, as long as the basic structural integrity and overall safety of the switch are not compromised.
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I would guess that, if you got it from a local home supply store, and it is the kind that would fit into a wall box (e.g. a 4-way switch), it would be legal.

[NyCityKId]

Originally Posted by apalrd

http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=16347



I would guess that, if you got it from a local home supply store, and it is the kind that would fit into a wall box (e.g. a 4-way switch), it would be legal.

Thank you very much and I guess I will have to go switch hunting. The better question would've been whether they have DPDT switches that are sold as household switches.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

There are some DPDT switches but they are hard to find.

[Alan Anderson]

What will you be using the switch for? A standard 4-way light switch is common enough.

[NyCityKId]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

What will you be using the switch for? A standard 4-way light switch is common enough.

I want to wire the switch so that it reverses polarity. I plan to use this on the minibot so that it automatically comes down once it hits the pressure plate.

[BrendanB]

Haha, what would count as Dean's common household switch?

[MrForbes]

Might be easier to just use two switches....3 way light switches....one turns it on, the other turns it off. Since they likely want to be in different places on the minibot. Or will your minibot not roll down the pole if unpowered?

[NyCityKId]

Originally Posted by squirrel

Might be easier to just use two switches....3 way light switches....one turns it on, the other turns it off. Since they likely want to be in different places on the minibot. Or will your minibot not roll down the pole if unpowered?

Im not sure yet. we don't work on Sundays so i haven't had a chance to try it out. once i play with the gear ratios there may be no need to have this set up.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by NyCityKId

I want to wire the switch so that it reverses polarity.

Yep, that's exactly what a 4-way light switch will do for you.

[NyCityKId]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

Yep, that's exactly what a 4-way light switch will do for you.

Nice! thanks. Now would this count as a single household switch or two? It is kindof 2 switches in one.

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by NyCityKId

Nice! thanks. Now would this count as a single household switch or two? It is kindof 2 switches in one.

It would count as one switch. It is a single switch in a single housing.