Need a replacement SPDT Switch for a Heat Gun

Need a replacement SPDT Switch for a Heat Gun
I have an electric heat gun with two fan speeds/heat settings
The old switch welded together as it was only rated 11.50A @ 120V and the unit draws 1500W/12.50A @ 120V
The original switch has three terminals and is marked II - 0 - I (High - OFF - Low)
Also the original switch was very cheap feeling and before it welded together I could see a big spark through the white markings on plastic switch when I went from II - 0 (High to Off)
So where is a good place to get a heavy duty toggle switch? I don't care how the switch is marked (On - Off - On would be fine) as long as it has an off position and can carry the rated current without melting or welding together

I am attaching pictures of the current broken switch so I can get help finding a switch that would fit the current cutout

Thanks

 

Hi CB,
I would call that a single pole, double throw, center off switch. I just looked at my Milwaukee heat gun and the switch looks similar, from the outside. Arching is normal when switching ac, and that rating wasn't that far off, although I agree that I would have more confidence in some extra margin. There is a parts company, I'd have to search maybe someone has the link, that carries parts for all tools like this. Buying the exact replacement would fit best, but if not available, a switch from another brand might be considered. If yours is Milwaukee, I would not worry about the rating, although mine does get next to zero use. I guess it will last a long time .

Bud

 

My heat gun is a a no name China tool
I only use it to shrink heat shrink tubing (On low) but I did use it on high to melt solder off a PCB (Which I ended up destroying but that's another story)
Anyway I have to go to the Orange Box store to pick up something entirely different but I found this so I will buy one and then probably have to modify the opening for a bigger switch (Nothing a Dremel tool won't fix)
I Will post back latter today or tomorrow do let the forum know how the patient is doing with the new switch (When I get around to it)

 

I think I'd stay with a rocker switch. Have had good luck in the past with Grainger for these hard to find rocker switches.

Toggle Switch - Switches - Electrical - Grainger Industrial Supply

Also, since you have a cheapie no-name China tool, you might be able to buy a new tool from Harbor Freight for about the same price as replacing the switch.

 

Yeah I actually have the cheap Harbor Freight Heat Gun
It is a OK tool but the switch is the weakest link

 

PS, not sure what you needed when trying to remove solder from a pc board, but I used to do that often when removing chips with many connections. Soldering iron and compressed air and lots of tape to mask the areas you don't want the solder to land on. And safety glasses. Basically, once you hit the hot solder with the air, wherever it lands it is cold and can be easily cleaned up. A couple of other tricks, but I saved many boards.

Bud

 

Got any measurements?

This one looks to fit the requirements (with higher ampacity), but I don't know if the size is right.. Eaton / Switches - 150411E - Sensors, Switches & Relays - Switches - Allied Electronics

Here's the link to the search results, narrowed to only include rectangular SPDT rocker switches.. Just check the Specs tab on each result to see the size.. Switches - Sensors, Switches & Relays from Allied Electronics

 

It was a dead PC motherboard (Multi-layer) I was trying to scavenge a dual port USB jack so I could build a USB Power adapter (Before they were $4 or less a piece and a common place item that you see every where now) I ended up melting the plastic insert in the USB jack so I gave up as that was the only jack of that type on that board (It was an old & dead PII board)

 

I just measured the switch it is 1 1/8" by 1/2" So JerseyMatt that switch will work as I don't think I measured exactly correct
Thank You

 

Glad to help!

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