So I’ve been using an old repurposed tractor lamp as my bedside lamp. I wired it up to mains (EU 230V) with a well isolated alternative bulb and bulb holder (the original bulbs are impossible to find). This has all been grounded and done the best we could. Now comes the problem, we reused the original switch (as it looks good) which it turns out, does not really appreciate having to switch 230V instead of the 12V (or 24V?) it was designed for. I believe I can patch up the switch to work as designed, however I do want a better solution to switching the lamp on and off.
Do relays exist that provide their own low voltage power that I can hook up the switch to? There’s not a lot of space available in the lamp, so I was hoping for a compact, drop in solution.
Other ideas are welcome as wel. I’ve thought of converting everything to 12V, but that would mean finding a new bulb holder, and having a transformer to put somewhere.
AC and DC are different, and 230V is nearly TWENTY TIMES the rated voltage for the switch (and possibly the lamp you’re using). You’ve put bicycle brakes on a Bugatti.
I’m all for DIY and experimentation, but this is headed rapidly towards a large incendiary event which insurance may decide they are not going to pay for. Mains voltage is not to be fucked with. There are rules and regulations around how things are built to be allowed on to the market for a reason. I suggest you get a 12V transformer (certified, not from aliexpress) and work from there.
Yes. I am aware that this was not the smartest move. In my defense, I did this conversation years back, when I was younger and with the help and expertise of my dad and his dad. Who both should have known better as they’re experienced in electrical work. The switch looks solid enough (see my other comment for pictures), which is probably why they never realized the mistake, and to be fair, it has worked without problems for years of daily use. (Which is not to say I trust it looking back. The switch does not offer a ton of isolation of the mains power…)