Button electric switch at front door

[D2IKType]

I am adding little things to my 3455SA and have come up against a wall. When the front door is opened the interior "Ceiling Light" comes on. The button switch at the door is a CHEAP item and jams enough to necessitate forcing the door shut. I have already added gas struts to the front storage compartment door. I'll be installing a light in that compartment but would like to have it light when the door opens. So, does anyone out there have as source for a better quality switch that I can use at the front door and the front compartment door?

[moutard2]

A common problem apparently and many of us have experienced the same issue. I've not found a suitable replacement yet but the search is on-going!

[CORattler]

I'd like to fix this on mine as well. Maybe a waterproof micro switch that will work with the voltage/amperage?

[NCFischers]

I used a Rockler low profile micro switch and it works great.

[maximo]

Jim,

I looked on the internet for a Rockler Low Profile Micro Switch but could not find a button type switch that looked like it would fit the existing hole. Where did you find one and did it swap out with the switch?

Frank

[oldelmer1]

I sprayed mine with a very little bit of WD 40, then pulled it out and flipped it over, works fine after the flip.

[bethandkevin]

x2 oldelmer. Ours squeaks when it gets dry-a convenient reminder to keep it lubricated.

[CORattler]

Jim, Can you give us a source or website? Did the replacement fit in the original location? Pics? Many thanks!

quote:Originally posted by NCFischers

I used a Rockler low profile micro switch and it works great.

[Irlpguy]

There really is nothing wrong with the switch on the door, the problem is the angle at which the screen door hinge engages it, this angle forces the switch plunger to one side and puts pressure on that side of the plunger making it bind and squeak.

I took mine out in the first week and filed the mounting hole larger and put it back moved further to the outside of the frame, this required drilling new mounting holes but it has worked without squeaking, binding or any other problem for almost a year now.

This style of switch has been in use since I was a kid and is reliable and quite capable of doing the job. I do not know how you would replace it with a rocker switch, this is a momentary, starter style switch.

Just another engineering marvel from the folks at Keystone, but easy to fix.

[PackerFan]

I just put a little grease on the sides of the button and now it works great. Used to be hard to close the door but now it closes real nice like it should.

[mrtgraz]

Im not sure if this will work or not, but you decide. Its a magnetic switch , heres the web site.http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...8AAA&gclsrc=ds

[D2IKType]

quote:Originally posted by D2IKType

I am adding little things to my 3455SA and have come up against a wall. When the front door is opened the interior "Ceiling Light" comes on. The button switch at the door is a CHEAP item and jams enough to necessitate forcing the door shut. I have already added gas struts to the front storage compartment door. I'll be installing a light in that compartment but would like to have it light when the door opens. So, does anyone out there have as source for a better quality switch that I can use at the front door and the front compartment door?

Thank you all. Taking some advice from each I:removed the switch and cleaned it with WD30 then lubricated it thoroughly with lithium; I squared up the door hinge/actuator; and flipped and reinstalled the switch - no more problem with the door. As for the front compartment light, I am using a magnetic switch as used in intrusion alarms at doors and windows.

added 9/3/13
Seems I "spoke" too soon. The alarm switches are normal "on". I am now in search of a mercury switch that I have somewhere in my parts bucket. Thanks for all your help. It's time to start getting ready for winter. Jump off Nov 15 to Harper's Ferry WV, Chattanooga TN, Meridien MS, New Orleans LA, Pensacola NAS, Eglin AFB, Topsail State Pk FL, Lake Mary FL and finally our winter spot in Dover, FL until March 31st.

[hickory]

Our new Monty had the same issue. I put a little dab of white lithium greas on the button and it has worked fine ever since..

[vangoes]

Frankly, the lights going on and off every time we opened the door was annoying to us. We just deactivated the switch by putting a thin plate screwed down over top of the plunger....problem solved!