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Canibul · 10-07-2012, 05:31

We just bought a 26 year old boat built in England. The AC and DC panels all use the same brand of rocker switches, and I need to replace quite a few of them. I can't find a model number, but they are E-T-A brand. I tried the E-T-A website but they don't have anything like this listed and haven't responded to emails.

Does anyone know what I am talking about, or even better, where I can find some of these or a direct replacement?

**GordMay** · 10-07-2012, 06:24

They are probably circuit breakers.
See:
http://www.e-t-a.ca/fileadmin/user_u...schalter_e.pdf

Cruisingscotts · 10-07-2012, 06:48

Posting a pic of front and back will be a big help. Try blue sea systems web site. If the panel has all items fused individually aside from the switch they could be toggle or rocker switches. If there are no fuses or other visible protection between the panel and items on it they are most likely circuit breakers. It's best not to guess or assume as there are many different brands out there some huge switches that could be confused as a breaker and some tiny breakers that could be confused as a switch only

Good luck

Maggie-K · 10-07-2012, 07:21

ETA breakers are used a lot in the aircraft industry try DIGIKEY Electronic Components Distributor | DigiKey Corp. | US Home Page they stock them.

Canibul · 10-07-2012, 07:24

Thanks for that, and you may well be right. I don't think there are any other fuses between these and the devices they control. Like the bilge pumps, tricolor, steaming light, instruments, you know, all those little things that make driving a boat fun.

It appears the same switches/breakers are used on both AC and DC panels, and the buttons are opaque, non lighted.

I still cannot yet find a model number. I looked up the US patent number 4148002 and the abstract states that this is "An electric on-off switch which may optionally include a thermal trip including a bimetal strip..." etc.

Cruisingscotts · 10-07-2012, 08:01

I think blue sea and sea dog sell replacements that style if you cannot get any info off the individual breaker make sure you purchase the correct size per the rating on what it is turning on most of your equipment should have a operating load in amps and reccomend fused rating in amps usually a little higher than the operating rating. It is a good idea to check this anyway as sometimes pumps lights etc are changed upgraded and the breaker and wiring are not. Blue sea and anchor both have marine wiring guides on there web sites. Remember the length of your run is from the panel to the application and back.

Cruisingscotts · 10-07-2012, 08:31

Allied electronics sells ETA rocker switch circuit breakers, just google "allied electronics ETA rocker switch breaker". They are a pretty huge electronics wholesaler.