Probably a stupid question

[Matt72]

I'm almost finished with my Express build. But I have a dumb question about the power switch. Will a spst switch work?? What's up with that switch with 6 tabs on it that Fishcer used? What is that? Do I need one of those to make this work?

Thanks!

[s2]

It depends on how you want to do things. Some people think it is better/safer/more desirable/whatever to switch both the hot and neutral AC wires at the same time. Careful examination of modern electrical code reveals it is OK to switch only the neutral if the hot is connected directly to the fuse. YMMV, PAYOR.

[Matt72]

So what kind of switch is that that Fischer used there, DPDT? (In case I do decide to go with that).

But is should be cool then to go with a SPST?

Thanks!

[wallybob]

I'm going to have to take your word on the electrical code but I'd never switch only the neutral. This would mean that all internal power supply circuitry would essentially be "hot" with respect to the chassis with the power switch off. This is really only a factor in the event that you're inside the chassis poking around while the thing is plugged in but it's still not good. Switch only the hot wire, probably OK; switch only the neutral, NEVER!

[rfgordon]

Funny you should mention switches...I was just at Lowe's, and I found the cutest little SPST switches, for $3.78 each. They have a body like a Carling, and have two wires instead of solder terminals, and a neat little black boot for the toggle, and the toggle bat is shorter than a Carling. BUT--they are rated for 10 Amps!!