Carling blower switch, carboned up contacts

fishrdan

Admiral
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Has anyone had problems with Carling (blower) switches, specifically model 0720R? It looks like this (not pic of my switch).

8a292e0c6da7b6bef4ff0a8498be.jpg


We were out last trip and the bilge blower stopped working, not something you want happening on an I/O boat... Turns out the contacts of the Carlingswitch 0720R were all carboned up and pitted, it was reading 40 ohms with a meter. I know things can go bad, but this seems a bit ridiculous as the Detmar blower only draws 3.5 amps and I would think the switch would be rated for at least 10 amps.

I guess I could have got some water in the switch while cleaning the boat and since the contacts sit at the bottom of the switch, any water would have gone there. Though, I would also think the switch should be waterproof/resistant.

I'm popping this one back in, but need to get another switch, probably going to get something other than the Carling.
 

fishrdan

Admiral
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: Carling blower switch, carboned up contacts

Forgot to add, the switch was only 2-3 years old.....
 

NewfieDan

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 8, 2011
Messages
383
Re: Carling blower switch, carboned up contacts

A quick fix I have used is to "steal" the wife's nail file. It has to be one of the cheap cardboard ones. It is basically emery paper glued to thin cardboard. A little filing with one of these and you should be able to make it home again. I have one in my tool box. they take up no room but work great.
 
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