pic: Lamp_Switch

[TD912]

Our team's minibot used a similar switch. We passed inspection at the NYC Regional. We brought the packaging that said something like "Toggling lamp light switch" just in case, but we didn't have any issues with the inspectors.

[TheOtherGuy]

Originally Posted by MrHance

Past observations living in many apartments and house over the last 40 years or so.

That would probably have changed my interpretation Team update 12 does indeed allow these switches. Sorry for the confusion - it was my first time inspecting and I haven't had much time with FRC this year. I'll make sure to read the rules three times next year

[Team#2057-Vegas]

Team 2057 used this exact switch.. its with the "special switches" at home depot. It was successful for our minibot but BE CAREFUL.. it does take a lotta force to push it in.

Best of luck

2057

[El Geffe]

I glad this is deemed acceptable, because as TheOtherGuy said we did have some difficulty proving that several parts of our minibot were legal, including this exact light switch and some non-slip pad we usually use as tire tread.

it does take a lotta force to push it in.

Really? We didn't have any trouble pushing it in. In fact' we hit the top so hard once it bust the switch right out of the plastic casing.

[clayman]

Instead of using a switch, we just used 5A fuses on the minibot - it's a bit of a pain to switch them each time (they blow as soon as the motors try to drive through the top of the pole), but we don't have to deal with any... switch

[TheOtherGuy]

Originally Posted by clayman

Instead of using a switch, we just used 5A fuses on the minibot - it's a bit of a pain to switch them each time (they blow as soon as the motors try to drive through the top of the pole), but we don't have to deal with any... switch

How long would it take for a 5 amp auto-reset fuse to reset? I wonder if that's a possible solution to ensuring the tower is triggered...

EDIT: then again, it needs to be an equivalent type fuse to the Tetrix one. Oh well...

[Teched3]

good find, and good post. will certainly help some teams. Any idea how much force is needed to push the switch on/off?

[PayneTrain]

I can't speak for the team truthfully, but 88 appeared to be using that exact switch on their minibot in Baltimore.

If you are a direct drive under 5 pounds, you should be dandy.

[Steve_Alaniz]

Originally Posted by clayman

Instead of using a switch, we just used 5A fuses on the minibot - it's a bit of a pain to switch them each time (they blow as soon as the motors try to drive through the top of the pole), but we don't have to deal with any... switch

Wow! What a great idea! Way to think out of the box!


Steve

[Mr V]

In Seattle and Portland similar switches were/are on many minibots. That passed inspection w/o issues.

There was a team that had a universal headlight switch (along with some resistors) but we got that changed before inspection.

[PingPongPerson]

We argued for about an hour or two with inspectors about what the definition of "common household lightswitch" is, and it appears that as long as the switch is sold as a light switch, and can handle 125V at 6A, it is ok.

[waitwhat?]

This is the switch we use. There can be no way of not passing this switch during inspection. The switch actually has "limit switch" written right onto it. It works perfectly. A little pricey but gets the job done. This switch, once engaged, requires you manually reset it. Hence the name "manual reset safety limit switch". Here is the McMaster part number 7336K51

http://images2.mcmaster.com/Contents...ng?ver=1180392

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Michael,
The current and voltage rating is not included in the rules. Simply the switch must be marketed or labeled as a "light switch" to pass inspection.

Wait,
That is an expensive limit switch but a limit none the less. It should pass inspection.

[waitwhat?]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Michael,
The current and voltage rating is not included in the rules. Simply the switch must be marketed or labeled as a "light switch" to pass inspection.

Wait,
That is an expensive limit switch but a limit none the less. It should pass inspection.

Very expensive limit switch, but works like a charm. Wish I had a good video of it in action with the minibot.

[feverittm]

While I appreciate this discussion, the answer really is 'it depends'. We were in Portland this past weekend and the definition was "household wall light switch". And before I get a lot of flames, I did very heavily argue that the GDC ruled that the 'wall' portion was not necessary and that lamp switches were valid. I was in heated discussions with 5 different inspectors including the head inspector, and they said that "they were told be New Hampshire to only accept wall light switches or Tetrix switches", the limit switches were acceptable however.

We had to scramble to change out our 'lamp' switch and replace it with a Tetrix switch to pass inspection.

Like I said ... It depends on who, what, and where you talk.