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3-way switch for bed lights?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by maybedave, Jan 8, 2016.

  1. Jan 8, 2016 at 7:07 AM
    #1
    maybedave

    maybedave [OP] Flying Spaghetti Monster... I believe.

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    I'm about to install some LEDs into my bed and was wondering, would it be possible to put a switch by the tailgate, and one in the cabin, so that they can be operated from either place?

    What relays would I need for the switches?

    Thank you for your input.
     
  2. Jan 8, 2016 at 11:26 AM
    #2
    fergyz

    fergyz Mmmm...Tacos

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    yes, standard 12v relay - just have both switches wired to pin 85 on the relay to control the ground side of the relay.
     
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  3. Apr 15, 2016 at 7:06 PM
    #3
    reconstyle

    reconstyle Well-Known Member

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    Bringing this back from the dead...but can you elaborate on this?

    If I use 2 switches to supply ground to pin 85, how would that function as a 3-way switch? If the switch in the bed was "on" (i.e. supplying ground to pin 85), then the lights would be on. If I went to the cab, and flipped the switch in there, it wouldn't matter because the switch in the bed would be still supplying ground, right?

    Am I missing something here?
     
  4. Apr 18, 2016 at 12:33 PM
    #4
    cynicalrider

    cynicalrider #NFG

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    Sub because I am also curious. I know for my application I would want to turn the lights on/off from one location, or the other location. I wouldn't necessarily turn them on from inside the cab and want to turn them off from the bed.
     
  5. Apr 18, 2016 at 6:57 PM
    #5
    fergyz

    fergyz Mmmm...Tacos

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    in all tense and purposes, the title sort of doesn't match what I interpreted in the actual posting. in this case, I didn't verify with the OP exactly what he was after.

    speciffically when a 3-way switch is asked about, I tend to believe they are referring to a DPST switch (on/off/on). a DPDT switch would fall into this category.

    You are absolutely correct in your thought process. 2 single SPST switches would not override the other switch if one was left on.

    ideally, you would want a single 3-way switch in the cab so you can have the selection options of Manual on/off/Auto on(2nd switch activated)

    The second switch can either be a simple on/off switch, pin/door switch, or a magnetic switch. There are three types of magnetic switches when it comes to operation.

    Whether right or wrong, I consider the "normal operation" position in this example with the magnets together. to me this is the "at rest" position.

    1) Mag switch that is NC - Normally closed / allows current to flow only in the "OFF" position (magnets are together)

    2) Mag switch that is NO - Normally Open / allows current to flow only in the "ON" position (magnets are apart)

    3) Mag switch that has both NC & NO circuits.

    using a mag switch with both NC/NO can be useful for tailgate switches. wired correctly, you can have it turn on lights when the tailgate is opened and off when closed or be operated by the 3-way switch in the cab. the switch in the cab would be the "kill" switch if you needed to remove or leave the tailgate down.
     
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  6. Apr 18, 2016 at 9:59 PM
    #6
    o0oSHADOWo0o

    o0oSHADOWo0o Just lurking in the darkness

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    Just a few LEDs...
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2016
  7. Apr 18, 2016 at 10:40 PM
    #7
    fergyz

    fergyz Mmmm...Tacos

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    The only kink in that plan is if the one of the switches is in the off position, the circuit stays incomplete. I'm not sure if there is a switch that does as required in the diagram. At least off the top of my head.
     
  8. Apr 18, 2016 at 10:47 PM
    #8
    o0oSHADOWo0o

    o0oSHADOWo0o Just lurking in the darkness

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    Just a few LEDs...
    Not true. Look at the animation. If both switches are in the same position the circuit remains open. When the switches are in different positions the circuit is closed. This is exactly the same way the light switches in a house work when you can control the lights from two different switches.

    There are literally thousands of switches out there that will do this. Two SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) switches is all you need.

    Here is one, but any auto parts store would probably have them as well.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/5PCS-Mini-B...Rocker-Switch-Rectangle-Snap-in-/120875637487
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2016
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    #8
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  9. Apr 18, 2016 at 11:21 PM
    #9
    fergyz

    fergyz Mmmm...Tacos

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    With those switches, yes you are correct. Those will work for that diagram. Those are still a two position switch. The ones I were referring to are the 3-way/position switch (On/off/on).

    It's obvious my brain is fried for the day. I appreciate your input as I clearly brain dump that style of switch. A 3 terminal switch is generally a 3-way or lighted rocker in a style of switch I like to use for a car/truck.
     
  10. Apr 18, 2016 at 11:25 PM
    #10
    fergyz

    fergyz Mmmm...Tacos

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    I will modify what I said in my post to better clarify what I was thinking tomorrow.
     
  11. Apr 19, 2016 at 9:19 AM
    #11
    reconstyle

    reconstyle Well-Known Member

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    Yep, two SPDT switches are what I will need to achieve what I am after. (turning bed lights on and off independently from 2 different locations).

    Now my only problem is finding a lit push button SPDT switch for inside the cab that will fit in a factory switch blank, preferably one that says "bed light" or "cargo light".
     
  12. Apr 26, 2016 at 6:38 PM
    #12
    taczilla

    taczilla I intend to live forever; so far.... so good!

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    Where? The left panel (beside steering wheel) vs. center panel (below AC) switch blanks are of a different size.

    Try:

    http://www.aironboard.com/online/toyota-replacement.html
     
  13. Apr 26, 2016 at 8:07 PM
    #13
    reconstyle

    reconstyle Well-Known Member

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    It actually looks like I'm going to have to add a secondary switch panel somewhere. I have a TRD OR M/T, so I don't have any spots to the left of the steering wheel, and I only have 2 spots open under the A/C controls. I'm already adding the LED DRL's, which uses a spot under the ac controls, and I eventually want to add front and rear aftermarket lights, a front camera with a three way rocker switch to go between front and rear cameras, and this bed light switch.
     
  14. Apr 27, 2016 at 4:25 AM
    #14
    taczilla

    taczilla I intend to live forever; so far.... so good!

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    Try @Iggy.

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/switch-panel-gb-live.352289/
     
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  15. Apr 28, 2016 at 6:50 AM
    #15
    Iggy

    Iggy Vagabond Outdoors

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  16. Apr 28, 2016 at 7:47 AM
    #16
    taczilla

    taczilla I intend to live forever; so far.... so good!

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    No prob, Bro.

    I'm finally installing my Tacomapros RTMR, switchbacks, your panel, OTRATTW switches, and a runway full of lights in the next week or two.

    It only took 6 months to get it all together. :oops:

    But hey! It only took 17 years to finally finish the trim in the house! :thumbsup:
     
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  17. Apr 28, 2016 at 7:58 AM
    #17
    Iggy

    Iggy Vagabond Outdoors

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    I know how that goes! I'll get things done this weekend ends up being a few years sometimes.
     
  18. Apr 28, 2016 at 8:12 AM
    #18
    philwill

    philwill Well-Known Member

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    I was just looking into this yesterday. The switches you want are SPDT (on-on), so they are two position, not three (on-off-on). That way it will act the same as a household circuit. They have three pins. Two are travelers between the switches. One switch's third pin goes to 12v power and the other switch's pin goes to the light. It makes more sense when you draw it out... That way you can turn the light off regardless of the other switch's position.
     
  19. Apr 28, 2016 at 10:21 AM
    #19
    taczilla

    taczilla I intend to live forever; so far.... so good!

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    Ok, so what you're saying is... grblitzfergelbumdabibskilifagibohaddelbasstic...

    Got it!
     
  20. Apr 28, 2016 at 10:29 AM
    #20
    philwill

    philwill Well-Known Member

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    Lol just two switches like this.
    It's the one with p/n: 7700302.

    Any switch that says (on-on).

    I can draw up a little diagram if it would help someone.
     

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