Awning light switch wiring

[RVwino]

Hi, I’m traveling without a multimeter. Does anyone know how the white, blue, and orange wires on the awning switch correspond to +, -, and neutral? I want to install a dimmer.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by RVwino

Hi, I’m traveling without a multimeter. Does anyone know how the white, blue, and orange wires on the awning switch correspond to +, -, and neutral? I want to install a dimmer.

A dimmer on the awning? So it comes in slower?

Maybe you mean the awning LIGHTS. Can you tell us what functions are currently performed by that switch?

Understand that it is likely that the Ground connection (battery - terminal) does not even go to the switch--it goes directly to the load, whatever that is.

The center terminal is likely to be +12, going to one end or the other depending on how the switch is pressed. There's no reason to have Ground at the switch.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

A dimmer on the awning? So it comes in slower?

Maybe you mean the awning LIGHTS. Can you tell us what functions are currently performed by that switch?

Understand that it is likely that the Ground connection (battery - terminal) does not even go to the switch--it goes directly to the load, whatever that is.

The center terminal is likely to be +12, going to one end or the other depending on how the switch is pressed. There's no reason to have Ground at the switch.

If the light is for switch position how would it illuminate without a ground at the switch?

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by bubbles

If the light is for switch position how would it illuminate without a ground at the switch?

This is true. When I read awnings, I fixed it in mind as a SPDT switch, not an illuminated SPST switch which it clearly is.

Maybe he can find an image of that switch online and see the package. I've gotten them at AutoZone.

The terminals would be 12v in, 12v switched, and ground, but the order can vary. Maybe it's molded into the side of the switch casing.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by RVwino

Hi, I’m traveling without a multimeter. Does anyone know how the white, blue, and orange wires on the awning switch correspond to +, -, and neutral? I want to install a dimmer.

It could be done through process of elimination or if you could get the part number off the side of the switch much easier. It appears to be a SPST (single pole single throw) illuminated rocker switch. Of course a multimeter is ideal.

[RVwino]

Hi All, Sorry for being unclear. Yes, I meant the lighted switch that controls the exterior LED strip. It has three wires running to it (as shown in the photo) White, Blue, and Orange.

The switch is labeled “ carlingswitch rocker 2032 r”. When I went to their website, the spec sheet describes everything but what goes to each spade terminal.

[RVwino]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

A dimmer on the awning? So it comes in slower?

[TacomaJoe]

How about this? Turn the switch on, it should illuminate as will the lights on the awning. Remove a wire. If the switch is still lit, then the wire you removed goes out to the awning.

[RVwino]

I like that idea. Thank you!

[ppine]

A single pole switch only has two wires, a hot leg and a return.
Your switch is showing three wires so it is probably a three way switch.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by ppine

A single pole switch only has two wires, a hot leg and a return.
Your switch is showing three wires so it is probably a three way switch.

Already determined it's an illuminated SPST simple on-off switch. Hot in, Hot switched, and ground (for the internal lamp).

[bubbles]

Typically, the orange would be 12Vdc/blue to awning lights/white to ground for switch LED. Notice all the other switches have an orange wire which, to me, could be common color for 12Vdc.

[Aussieguy]

look to see if any wires on the switches in the panel are connected together in daisy chain



That's usually the negative..... for the switch's "on" light

[RVwino]

Originally Posted by bubbles

Typically, the orange would be 12Vdc/blue to awning lights/white to ground for switch LED. Notice all the other switches have an orange wire which, to me, could be common color for 12Vdc.

Bubbles, you are correct, orange was hot and blue went to the light strip. Thank you!
I was able to use the simplified wiring of the dimmer and inserted it in between the blue wire and the middle lug that it normally connects onto. So, the lighted switch acts as a master on/off and the dimmer controls the brightness.