conduit switches

[markgibsonm]

Can anyone help.

In one of our installations we have some metal switch units which fit directly onto a conduit box unit. One of these switches has broken and we can't find a spare.
Is anyone aware of where I can get some of these switch units from?


They are made of metal and fit directly onto a conduit box and have a black turn knob as a switch. (almost like the shape of a pull cord switch, but made of metal and have a black knob as a switch)

Or if anyone knows why they are no longer made could you please tell me why?

Thanks in advance

Mark

 

[RF Lighting]

I don't think these switches have been installed for the past 30 years or so. Are the switches internally or externally mounted. I don't know why they were discontinued. I guess it's just a case of things move on.

 

[markgibsonm]

Thanks for the response, they are mounted in one of our "decontamination pits" within one of our buildings.
I know things move on, but these switches are just the job, and with them screwing straight on to the conduit box are very handy.
Its a shame they are discontinued, but at least somebody understaood what I was trying to describe.

Many thanks

Mark

 

[JohnD]

Is this a round steel box it fits on, about 2 inches across, with two steel bolts?

 

[Spark123]

What type of decontamination? Does it include the use of waterjets? I think I know the type of switch you mean, they used to be used a lot outside. Would an IP rated switch i.e. MK masterseal be adequate? I can understand if you are probably wanting to swop the front and not disturb the backbox.

 

[breezer]

will this do?

sorry its only got a white knob

 

[markgibsonm]

Breezer,

The one you have suggested is the best yet that I have seen, its not exactly what I was after but will do the job and look good.

Spark123

No it is a radiological decontamination cell.

John D,

Yes your descripition sounds like what I am after.

Regards

Mark

 

[Belle427]

you may be into explosion proof gear there,im not sure, somebody a lot cleverer will be along soon

 

[JohnD]

Yes your descripition sounds like what I am after.

they used to be very popular in RN Dockyards and ships; may even be some on the surplus market or in Yachtie shops; I think they were bronze with an arrowhead shaped knob. I don't know if they still use them on repair jobs.

However:

I recently put some new plastic pattresses onto old Besa boxes (which I think they are) useing the existing 2BA screws (which I think they are). the modern pattresses have various fixing hole knock outs, some of them the exact spacing of the old Besa box. So you might find it easy to fasten a new switch enclosure on top (mine were not waterproof, though).

Breezer's look to me like a very good replacement, but rather bigger. There is a plastic turn-knob waterprof isolator used for external air-conditioning units that is the modern equivalent.

 

[Spark123]

I can fully understand why you don't want to start drilling holes in the wall!! If I get chance I'll have a look for the manufacturer and part number, iirc they have 3 screws which fix the front to the backbox?