How to Add a Switch on a Circuit
Adding a switch on a circuit is pretty easy, but it does pose some potential problems if you do not know what you're doing. It is important to select a switch that is suitable for your current load. If you are soldering a connection at the power supply, for example, you will probably need a switch rated for high voltage and current load. If, on the other hand, you are soldering something on the actual board, you should use a smaller, low-voltage switch.
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Things You'll Need
- SPST Switch
- Soldering Gun
- Solder
- Insulated Wire Clippers
- Insulated Wire Strippers
- Rubber Glove
Instructions
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1
Turn off and unplug the circuit and put on rubber gloves. This will help protect you from the risk of accidental electric shock.
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2
Snip the wire you want to add the switch to. Look closely to make sure it is a single wire and not a cable containing multiple wires. Then cut through it.
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3
Strip away a bit of enamel from either side of the wire you cut. You should have about half an inch of bare wire showing.
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4
Solder an SPST switch to one of the wires. Hold the wire against one terminal of the switch. Heat up the switch and wire with the soldering iron and touch the solder to the hot wire. The solder should smoke and a bead of clear, shiny metal should coat the connection.
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5
Repeat Step 4, attaching the other stripped wire to the other terminal. You now have a switch soldered into your circuit.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to use lead core solder, or another kind suitable for electrical soldering. Acid core solder is not suitable for an electrical connection.
If you leave a lot of exposed wire when you make your soldering connection, you can use electrical tape to cover it up.
Do all of your work with one hand. Many circuits can retain a charge for hours, or even days after being unplugged, so there is a continued risk of electric shock. By working with one hand you ensure that, if you do get a shock, it will not go through your heart and potentially put you into cardiac arrest.
