What are the rules regarding switches on the dash? Can I use the "Butler" style toggle switches or will I have to use plastic round edge rocker switches?
Has anyone had any major fails with switches or lights on the dash?
Also do I have to buy exterior lights with an E marking on or is there an equalent?
Nick

[Edited on 17/6/03 by Nick Davison]

any switches hidden behind the wheel are excempt,all others have to be radiused

So will the requirement for a radius preclude the use of toggle switches, not the flat sharp ones but the round normally chrome ones?
Nick

Take a look at the new Mini. It get's around this issue by putting those little arches between each toggle switch. That way the SVA tester (or in the Mini's case the type approval tester) can't get his hemisphere to touch the switch itself and hence it doesn't need to be radiused. I also think that the Mini looks quite cool with this design.

I don't know if the toggle switches would be a fail but I'd be surprised if they weren't given some of the other seemingly O.T.T. regulations like this.

HTH,
Craig.

you can have any switch you like if its behind the steering wheel

Hi John,
Yes I understand that but it's not the handiest place for your switchgear is it?
I guess it depends on the design of your scuttle and how much space there is between it and the back of your steering column.

I still like the new mini layout. Here's a photo for those who have been in hiding for the last few years



Cheers,
Craig.

There is an exclusion zone that projects 127mm from the edge of the steering wheel. If you use a larger steeing wheel for the test this gives you more space on the dash. The SVA manual also states that switches are exempt if they are designed to detach or retract when a force of 40kgf is applied.

I have some toggle switches (metal with spherical ends) and the end has a 3.5mm radius i.e 7mm diameter.

The SVA manual says they should have at least a 2.5mm radius - so I guess mine pass??

They came from RS Components.

Ignoring the requirements of Mr SVA, consider whether you would want to bang your head hard onto the switch in an accident?

David (a.k.a. Mr WetBlanket )

Without starting to sound pernickity, most locosts have harness type seatbelt. If my head hits the dashboard, i've probably severed my torso. Nice thought!

...how about if the dashboard came to meet your head?

Sorry, my mind is working strangely this morning...

If the dash came up to meet your head, you are in serious trouble anyway!

David

if your dash comes up to meet your head then I think myabe you have more to worry about than a few cuts off sharp edged switches........