The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay door jamb switch for courtesy lights

I installed some mini-LED lights on a strip under the dash of my '59. Now I need to add a jamb switch. My search shows different types, some labeled "GM type."

If I understand correctly the stock wiring for the (now non-functional) dome light had power constant to the light and switched ground. So, should I get a 2-terminal jamb switch, or a single-terminal? And what is meant by "GM type"?

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I'd expect the "GM type" to be in relation to physical configuration, like how it mounts .... if you're trying to have the LEDs activated by either/both the jamb switch or the dome switch you'll have a problem - the jamb sw would need the dome sw on to work and the reverse too .... suggest getting a switch best physically suited and use it to ground the LEDs when open, with a toggle under the edge of the dash to add the ground when the door is closed [fused plus to the LEDs] .... you want a single pole, single throw toggle [which has 2 terminals], and a normally closed jamb sw, which also has 2 terminals] that will open the circuit when depressed

Bill

The dome light is in-op and will stay that way. This light strip is a replacement. So this strip will have power via the dome light terminal on the headlight switch and the jamb switch will interrupt its circuit when the door is closed.

I *think* I read somewhere that interruption is best done by breaking the ground side of the circuit. So wouldn't a simple 2-pole switch do the trick? And can I assume that a switch like that would create the break with the button depressed (door closed)?

Another option would be to supply constant power via the fuse block I added and bypass the headlight switch altogether. That would only give me light with the door open, but I think I could live with that.

That's correct; but you only need a single pole switch. Run a wire to the lights from the courtesy lamp fuse. Run wires to each door and the headlight switch. Opening a door or turning the headlight switch grounds the circuit and the lights come on.