Opinions on using inline 'feed thru' style spst switches to power DCS/TMCC sidings on large floor layout

@tstevens1 posted:

with these switches on each end. 

 

That set up should work fine.  "switches on each end" of what?  Do you mean one switch  in line with 18 V center rail wire to TIU and one switch in the center rail TIU feed to each individual siding?  If yes, that will work.

Be sure all bricks feeding TIU are in phase.

yes, one switch inline with 18v center rail wire on end of each separately powered siding's power feed from mth terminal block that is fed by one channel of TIU fed by it's own brick.  after rereading my post, my real question is, are these the type of 'cheap' switches to avoid because they cause DCS signal issues.

and yes to the phasing, thanks for reply

I've not actually heard of the issue. Can you elaborate?

Philmore isn't a name I normally associate with "cheap" though, and if its brass inside I'd guess you were fine. 

 I have a few ancient versions of that cord switch pod still in use. (in fact the last I used one was on a carpet layout siding to disable a siding relay)

I can only assume aluminum parts or certain point composition might cause some issues rarely. (or maybe led toggles ?)

just in my research on this forum, whenever anyone talks about toggle switches for powering sidings when using DCS/TMCC, it is usually mentioned to make sure you use a 'quality' switch so as to not have command signal issues.  then places like digikey & mouser are mentioned & i totally agree - but for my situation with being (still?) on the floor, i am looking for something more 'individually self contained' & these seem perfect for my situation as long as they don't degrade the command signal.

sounds you like did exactly what i plan to do with these switches!

Follow up in case anyone else ever tries this:

I bought some of these switches and testing on work bench with alligator clip test leads worked. DCS signal passes through switches with no signal loss, getting a '10'.  Will reply again with results after big floor layout is set up in a couple of months

follow, follow up - these switches worked perfectly with no issues on the big seasonal floor layout & will be purchasing more!

Another way to skin that cat.   I used these on my carpet layout to power sidings, they even had a power LED to show me when the siding was hot.

The little red switch is good for 5 Amps. Heavier loads and they will burn up. If  you watch your power load on the sidings, you should be OK. I have burned up a switch or two until I learned to control the load on the switch.

5A is a pretty hefty power draw for a siding.  FWIW, this particular switch is rated at 6A.