Crappy Chinese Toggle Switch ALERT

Posted by stellavox (A) on January 11, 2009 at 09:15:09

Recently, I needed some miniature toggle switches (DPDT) and looked on Ebay. Most of those listed were of Chinese manufacture, sold in groups of 10 and inexpensive. Bought a group of 10.

When I went to solder wires to the terminals I found that if you apply heat from a soldering iron to any contact for more than a second or two, the whole terminal starts to move / bend / deflect. This is because all the terminals are glued in, rather than being molded to the case. The other end of the terminal inside the case is also the stationary contact of the switching mechanism itself; so if it moves at all, it will affect and potentially compromise correct switching action. Just to check, I experimented with a few switches of American manufacture and the terminals stayed rigidly in place with what I would call a "reasonable" (maybe even unreasonable) amount of heat applied.

If you look closely at the Ebay pictures for EVERY Chinese miniature toggle switch I could locate, you will see this RED glue surrounding all the terminals.

I'd suggest staying a mile away from ANY of these.

Charles

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Topic - Crappy Chinese Toggle Switch ALERT - stellavox 09:15:09 01/11/09 (3)

Check Mouser - budm 14:01:18 01/12/09 (0)

I got the same problem.. - cheap-Jack 13:08:09 01/12/09 (0)

RE: Crappy Chinese Toggle Switch ALERT - JoKath 16:46:21 01/11/09 (0)

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.