12v electrical "Hazard Lights" wiring query

[trikerpete]

can anyone explain in simple terms the difference between an "illuminated switch" - (that has 3 terminals = 1 feed from battery, 1 power out to whatever, 1 to earth) and a "double pole (hazard) switch" 

ive used an illuminated switch,as above, with the power out going through a seperate "flasher unit" then from that ive linked into left/right (rear) indicator wires. the hazards all flash.... but on normal left/right turn, they still do. what have i done wrong

[morrag]

An illuminated switch is simply ,in this case,is a single pole switch with built in indicator, hence the requirement for an 'Earth' or return pole, to show when the switch is in the "on" position. A Double pole switch is one that has two electrically separate, but mechanically linked. single pole switches,within the same moulded enclosure, i.e when the switch is in the "on" position, both separated poles are "made", and in the "off" position, both poles are "broken"...........ok,,,,,,,,Morrag

[tbone]

Pete, what you have done,  is join both sides, indicator lamps together, by taking 2 feeds from one pole, you are effectively back feeding through your switch. You need a double pole double throw switch, one pole feeds the left side, the other feeds the right side.
You cannot use a standard illuminated on/off switch for hazards.
A single pole switch is a simple `feed in/ feed out through 1 connector`
a double pole is a `feed in / feed out through 2 seperate connectors at the same time`

[morrag]

Erm, thats what I said.................................

[trikerpete]

thanks morrag & tbone, its a little clearer now you have explained that. im going to try and get a dedicated hazard switch in the morning and have another go at sorting it out. i thought i was being clever by using what switches i already had  ive got to get it done or else cancel the mot for monday morning
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh   dont you just love electrics

[tbone]

Erm, thats what I said.................................

I know  


You could stay with your existing setup........but you`d need to add a blocking diode to each feed to the lamps. 

[morrag]

Or, nip down to Halfords and buy a double pole,12v relay, then you can use your single pole,illuminated switch to control it.  Morrag

[trikerpete]

aaaarrggghhhhhhhh tooooo much information