Lamp - add magnetic switch

Mar 28, 2005 3 Replies

I'm working on a little project. I would like to add a switch to a regular lamp. I took a look at Radioshack and they have so many switches! This is the first time doing a project involving electronics, so bare with me.



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They have this magnetic switch used for alarm systems. Can I just cut one of the lamp wires open and attach this switch in there?



I'm also considering some push button switches. Like this:



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Is there something I need to know about the switches before purchasing? ...Are there voltage limits. Some are so small- can they handle the voltage that goes through a lamp?



If you know of any good websites with how-tos for projects like these, please let me know. THANKS!



Will do if you bear with us. Oversimplification can lead to magic smoke escaping. Please post specifications for a "regular lamp" that you intend to use.

Sorry -

What I mean by a regular lamp is :

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*10280 I took out the bulb holder + wire from this lamp. I realize there's not a lot of info about its guts. I will be using a 60W bulb at max. The holder will be put into a fiberglass shape I'm working on. (with ventilation). That's all the info I have.

RS does not publish any info on the current carrying capacity of that switch. Alarm switches are not likely to reliably switch high inrush current that cold filament of a light bulb draw. It might work for a while but I would not consider it reliable. You might be better off getting a reed switch from Digikey. Go to

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and search for reed wit current carrying capacity greater than one Ampere and voltage rating greater than 100V

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