using diods in a switch box

i wana make my own switch box with rocker switches. the switches i want only come in 3 prong so i found out it will work as long as you use a diode. so how do i wire in a diode?

how many switches do you plan on wiring up, what do you plan on making each of them do, and how many valves do you have?

a diode is like a check valve for power or ground. it lets current flow one way but not the other. if i remember correctly the stripe on the diode goes toward whatever it is you are trying to isolate. I dont know the circumstances to which you need a diode inline for you application so i cant tell you which way to face the diode.

It can get pretty confusing with the diode, but necessary if you want your switches controlling valves, one switch doing what you want. Send me your email and I'll draw you some schematics for how to do it. I draw schematics for a living in case your wondering. What I need to know is : How many valves and how many switches do you have and what switch do you want to control> i.e. front right, front left, pancake, etc...

This kind of helpshttp://www.the12volt.com/diodes/diodes.asp If the switch is normally closed at nuetral position, I dont know if you would need a diode.... Could be wrong though. 

You may want to get yourself some DPDT (6 pole) switches. It will make it not so cluttered on the switch 

Edited: 3/16/2009 8:14:50 PM by maz duh

I've done one where the 6 prong DPDT switches were too big to fit where I needed them and had to use diodes in my wiring. Thats an awesome offer Rich gave btw, a great example of good community spirit. Good luck on your setup, keep us posted on how it goes.

pmd you rich. thanks everyone else.

you should post the picture of what you're doin. im sure alot of other people would save it for future referrance. sidenote, do switches for valves have to be of a certain size or can those tiny ones work? like for a lockout switch. ive thought about using those itty bitty ones for computers/rc cars.

The little ones should be fine because your only dealing with minimal current so you won't cook the switch.