Converting the Flourescents to LED - Page 4

scatter · 03-01-2011, 09:50 AM

Herb - yeah, I did notice the manufacturer of the switch. It's just that I can't remember what it was....

Anyway, I spent a lot of time on the internet and in electronic stores looking for a three way replacement and couldn't find one. The problem was that all the multi function type switches were larger and there wasn't room to fit the new switch in the stock location. I ended up getting a second switch similar to the stock one and putting it in the other end of the fixture. Now the stock switch operates one of my LEDs and the new switch the second one if I want more light. Hope this helps, a little....

**BroncoHauler** · 03-01-2011, 10:13 AM

Scatter,

Sounds like you went through the same thought process that I'm going through; trying to find a three way direct fit replacement. Maybe it's time to dissasemble the current fixture in my SMB and take a look. The wife will be thrilled I have a new project to add to my list of unfinished projects.

herb

RickL · 03-01-2011, 08:09 PM

If you are looking for places to buy SPDT switches, here are some links. I use all these suppliers all the time for my various electronic projects.

allelectronics.com (lots of surplus stuff)

digikey.com (has a $25 minimum order)

mouser.com (no minimum order)

HTH

Rick L

boywonder · 10-28-2013, 05:26 PM

resurrecting an ancient thread........for future reference

The stock switch in the Thin Lite Fluorescent is a SPST Carlingswitch. The switch cutout is 1.125 long x .480 wide.

A drop in SPDT (to run both red and white lights, etc.) is Carlingswitch P/N RC911-RB-B-0-N

Digikey P/N 432-1121-ND

Mouser P/N 691-RC911-RB-B-0-N

Allied Electronics P/N 70131592

......these are black switches...if you want a white one, the mfr P/N is RC911-RW-B-0-N, although it appears that none of the usual vendors stocks white......

I have not purchased these yet, but I am planning on purchasing a couple. I'll confirm that they are direct replacements once I receive them.

**BroncoHauler** · 10-28-2013, 05:43 PM

When I converted my Thin Lite fluorescents to LEDs, I also modified the fixture to run one bank of LEDs or both banks of LEDs.

I have two black SPDT switches left over: Carlingswitch P/N RC911-RB-B-0-N [EDIT: two black SPDT switches are spoken for]

I also have the original white SPST switches.

Not the right sub-forum, but if someone wants one or all, make me an offer.

Herb

sdwindansea · 10-29-2013, 10:35 AM

Herb, I'll take the two black SPDT switches off your hands if they are still available. The fluorescent/led replacement project is on my winter list. Just send me a PM with how much you want for them plus shipping and your trouble (92107 zip code). I can send you payment via Paypal.

**Gooseberry** · 01-26-2014, 10:46 PM

I just did the rest of the fixtures in the van with the cool white version of the original I did in warm white. I moved the warm white to the rear over the bed. The cool white is brighter and I feel better then the warm whites and I did do the same dual switch design instead of the spdt.

Ozrockrat · 05-08-2014, 11:53 AM

Just as an FYI. IKEA also sell a set of LED bars. 3 bars and a transformer (not required because they are 12V) for about $15. You will need to solder on your own leads.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50192073/

Each one of the bars seems to be suitable to replace a fluro tube but 3 per fitting does give enough light.

TexGX · 05-29-2014, 07:30 PM

I used the Ikea three LED light bars in mine. I took the strips out of the plastic cases and wired them together using one switch. I can always add another if I decide it is too bright. I only did one as I want to see how it works first. If I want to change anything, I can move this one to the back and change the one in the front.

TexGX