Bluewater Pushbutton Switch Information




Pushbutton switches - "NON-Resettable versus Resettable... what's the difference?"

To be quite honest it's actually very simple to comprehend the difference between a NON-resettable pushbutton switch and a RESETTABLE pushbutton switch.  So what's the difference?  Built-in circuit protection!  That's really all that you need to understand, but let's elaborate a little bit just in case you're more curious;



Resettable versus NON-resettable

Pushbutton switch labels
We'd love for you to be able to type your pushbutton switch labels directly onto the product design tool, but that's simply not possible.  Without getting too technical that level of customization would require a TON of coding!  On Page 3 of the product design tool you will see a 'Comments for American Offshore' box near the bottom of the page.  Within this box type your list of switches (in order, from top left to bottom right) along with each switches' respective function and amperage.  Our design team will take the information in that comments box and use that information to modify the design accordingly.  

How to relay each individual switch information to us
This side of the project will require you to complete your own homework on your boat/vehicle.  It's important to understand that each individual switch is unique when it comes to the function of the switch and how much amperage will be passing through the switch body.  You wouldn't want to install an ON-OFF switch for your horn, unless you're really wanting to piss someone off - haha!  When relaying your individual switch information to us ask yourself the following three basic questions then provide us with the answers to those questions: 

1) What is each individual switch controlling?
2) What is the function of each individual switch?
3) What is the amperage that will be passing through each individual switch?

"What is each individual switch controlling?"
The answer to this question should be something like:
Nav/Anc, Lights, Bilge, Livewell, Acc 1, Horn, etc. etc.

"What is the function of each individual switch?"
Quick note: (ON) indicates a momentary function where the switch body springs back to OFF when you physically remove your finger from pressing the switch.  An example of this is a Horn switch.  You have to physically press the switch to the (ON) position for the Horn to 'beeeeeeeeeep' then the horn turns off when you remove your finger from the switch.  Hopefully that makes sense.  

The answer to this question should be something like:
ON-OFF
(ON)-OFF (similar to a Horn switch function)
ON-OFF-ON (similar to a Nav/Anc switch function)
(ON)-OFF-(ON) (similar to a Trim Tabs or Windlass switch function)

"What is the amperage that will be passing through each individual switch?"
This is probably the most delicate part of the homework you need to complete.  Make sure you refer to your component's specific manual or spec sheet, but the general rule of thumb for amp ratings is:

Lights: 5-10a
Pumps: 10-20a
Accessories: 10-20a
12v Socket Plugs: 15a

The amperage passing through the switch body is dictated by the component (pump, light, etc.) at the end of the circuit.  Each component is unique in how much amperage is required to 'run' the component so make sure to reference the component's manual to see how much amperage is required to run that specific component.  If you do not have the physical paperwork on that component then you can search online for that component's electrical specifications and often times the electrical specifications are even printed on the backside of the component itself.  If all else fails we recommend contacting the component's manufacture to see if they know the answer to how much amperage that component uses.