Toggle Switch

[Big Blue 72]

I have an extra factory "fuel selector"toggle switch that I want to use to remotely turn on a pair of canopy lights from the cab. My plan is to remove the "fuel selector" bezel and replace it with a "cargo" bezel and wire it up for lights instead of activating which sending unit it reads.

A friend told me I shouldn't because the switch wasn't designed to accomdate power for electrical lights.....just low current to power readings from the sending unit. He said the switch may overheat and cause a fire.

Does anyone have any knowledge about this "fuel selector" toggle switch and if I can use it to power the lights I want? And are my friends concerns valid. I apologize, because I don't know squat about electricity.

I know I can get an aftermarket toggle switch from any parts store but I really want to use the "fuel selector" toggle because I want to keep the uniformity of all the toggles in the truck the same.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

[fitzwell]

Figure out what the draw of the lights is. With the switch you're using, if it's much more than 5-8 amps, you will need to use a relay to power the lights, and use your existing switch to activate said relay. Not that hard to do.

[Thunderfoot]

Use a Relay and then there are no concerns and the switch will last longer too.

[Big Blue 72]

Sounds like a relay is the way to go. Thanks much!

[Dragon]

The Selector switch that I have has 2 dual pole switches 1 pole for each tank. I tested my switch when I got it and it handled 10 amps at 12 volts. so the upper side will switch the gauges and the lower side will switch the 4.5 amps pumps.

[71 LONG BED]

Look for the larger bumpsides in the junkyards, they have toggle switches for lights. I got one out of an F650 that has a bezal the reads "blink markers". I assume it's like a hazard switch, only in toggle form. I plan do use it for a set of period correct fog lights someday.