Looking for a small 1P3T (prefer toggle, but rotary if necessary)

[midwayfair]

I need a switch with three independent throws and a single common connection (to ground).

Asci circuitlet:

|----------|           |
Cap 1  Cap 2    Other thing
|           |            |
  \           \            \

                |
     G (common connection)

Cap 1 and cap 2 must be disconnected when the other thing is grounded (though they could both be in the circuit together if needed, either in series or in parallel), so I can't use a SPDT center off.

Anyone come across such a thing?

I may have seen a slide switch that had four lugs on it, but I can't remember where. Twould be perfect if there was a toggle like that.

[Seljer]

I can confirm the existance of slide switches that work as you describe, with four terminals. I have two 2P3T and a SP3T that I scavenged from various consumer electronics my box of junk. Only pcb mount though.

[Govmnt_Lacky]

Jon,

Looks like you are stuck with either a slide or rotary switch. I can definitely help out with the rotary if you go that direction. I "might" have a slide switch too but I would have to look.

Either way... if you need it... let me know 

[mth5044]

There is a 1 and 2P3T slide switch on Tayda.

[armdnrdy]

I usually purchase specialty switches from these guys:

http://www.led-switch.com/Miniature%20Toggle%20Switch.htm

The switch you're looking for is the 23rd switch down. Unfortunately they are out of stock until late December.

I would look at Mouser.

http://www.mouser.com/Electromechanical/Switches/Toggle-Switches/_/N-5g2j?P=1z0z2o4Z1z0z2o3Z1z0z812

[GGBB]

If I understand what you need correctly, you can use a standard DPDT on-on-on switch for that due to the way they actually work:

[midwayfair]

Hm. Maybe I just didn't think it through enough. I have some on/on/on switches at home. Is that graphic really saying that DPDT on/on/on switches don't connect all six lugs in the center? Or is that a special DPDT? That's very counterintuitive and ridiculously convenient for solving my problem if so.

[slacker]

Yeah that's how all DPDT On-On-On switches I've seen work, like you say they're a bit weird but very useful.

[GGBB]

I discovered their weirdness the hard way some years ago trying to figure out why my "DPDT on-on-on" toggle switch didn't work the way it was described, and then trying to figure out why the replacement also failed the same way.  Then to the datasheets, followed by confusion, denial, anger, a brief flirtation with a slide switch, and eventually bitter acceptance.  As an SP3T they are very cool though.

[nocentelli]

Note that "On/On/On" switching is distinct from "Center-on." DPDT center-on switches, in the middle switch position, will connect the commons to both the normally open and normally closed throws. This kind of switching is on the right of the above diagram.

[induction]

Also note that On/on/on's come in two varieties. Center position will connect pins 2-3 and 4-5, like in nocentelli's image, or will connect pins 1-2, 5-6, like in GGBB's image. Depends on the manufacturer.

[Goodrat]

I wrote something on those on-on-on switches once when I was researching filters for a fuzz box.
Top of this page:
http://rickviola.com/electronics.htm

[armdnrdy]

Rick,

Is that antenna used for making contact with aliens? 

Very impressive/detailed drawings!

[Goodrat]

I get carried away with the drawings
I cancelled cable for a year and used that 4-bay in my attic. Worked beautiful, with a passive splitter to 4 rooms.