1st Gen La Pavoni Europiccola with 3 way toggle

#1: Post by **redbone** » March 18th, 2017, 2:08 pm

First gen LPE came with toggle 2 way switches hi / low only until 1974.
After that time LP switched to 3 way rocker switches adding an off in the middle position.
The cut outs on the bases for the switches were either round for the toggle or rectangle or the rocker making them non interchangeable.
I found a 3 way toggle with off option that allowed for the original Italian max/min emblem which I like.
Here is the almost completed 1973 LPE.
I'm waiting for an adapter in mail to add pressure gauge

#2: Post by **jbenson4** » March 18th, 2017, 5:36 pm

Do you have a link to the switch you used? My original 2 position switch just broke and I was looking to do the same with adding the 3 position switch.

March 18th, 2017, 6:15 pm

This is the one I used.

EDIT - Do not use switch shown below. They fail under heat and electrical stress. Melting and possible fire hazard.
Tested two switches just in case one was defective. FAILED SECOND TIME
I do not believe the Ebay resellers claim of 15 amp rating on these switches.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/12V-Metal-Toggle ... SwWxNYxip7

Shipping from China / H.K. takes forever then some.

**DO NOT BUY SWITCH BELOW AS REPLACEMENT**

F.Y.I. 800 watts = 1.07282 H.P.

#4: Post by **jbenson4** » March 18th, 2017, 6:34 pm

Great, thanks!

May 1st, 2017, 2:20 pm

After some extensive research I've found a proper toggle switch that meets and exceeds a replacement for the OEM 2 way switch.

Carling Technologies DC221-BB-B ON-OFF-ON (non-momentary) SPDT, Quick Conn, 20A 1.5HP 125-250V AC, Mount with Threads, Bat Lever style

Tried searching the OEM silver colour but the DC221-B-B-B best suited the requirements and is available in only black or white.
Feel free to add any others that meet the requirements of bat toggle SPDT, 15-20 Amp, 1.25+ HP, On-off-On, heat resistant min 185f \ 85c.

#6: Post by **jonr** » May 2nd, 2017, 11:08 am

The ebay model looks like a very cheap clone. Given that it's a resistive load, I would think that any high quality, certification marked, name brand 20A SPDT toggle switch would be fine. But about 4x the price.

For example, an Eaton XTD2B2A or XTD2B1A. Or even 15A is more than needed.

May 2nd, 2017, 1:08 pm

jonr wrote:The ebay model looks like a very cheap clone. Given that it's a resistive load, I would think that any high quality, certification marked, name brand 20A SPDT toggle switch would be fine. But about 4x the price

Most toggle SPDT (3 prong) switches are 10-15 amps at 125v and not easily available. DPDT (6 prong) toggle switches are more readily available in 20 amp options.

The NKK S3AW silver bat toggle switch is another SPDT on-off-on HD option but costs more than the Carling Tech switch.

May 30th, 2017, 5:56 pm

Installed Carling Technologies DC221-BB-B ON-OFF-ON (non-momentary) SPDT, Quick Conn, 20A 1.5HP 125-250V AC, Mount with Threads, Bat Lever style.

Highly rated switch in order to handle 1.5HP

Original colour base in very good condition.

View of switch inside under base with spade connector ready for wires.

June 26th, 2017, 2:32 pm

Testing another Heavy Duty switch 20A @125v AC which looks closer to the oem style vs the black toggle.

May need to "plastidip" the bat lever end to add that final authentic look touch.

#10: Post by **grog** » June 26th, 2017, 2:57 pm

Did the Carling work? This is just an aesthetic swap?