Why did they wire the DPDT like this?

[seten]

I broke a dpdt switch on my Algal Bloom and I went in to replace it - why is every row connected to each other? Its a three way switch so at first I thought it was for a specific configuration in the middle position but nope its an on - off - on. Why wouldnt they just use an SPDT switch? and if they just used a dpdt because thats all they had lying around, why not just use one pole and leave the other one unsoldered?

I hope I explained my confusion correctly I may have used the wrong terminology.

higher quality image here:

http://imgur.com/gallery/aLEa0FN

[EBK]

I'm guessing DPDT switches were cheaper than SPDT.

I doubt they wired it that way for increased reliability of the redundant system, so I'm going to go with artistic license being the reason.

[Fancy Lime]

Cause: Reasons!

Is often the answer to such things. I'd say Eric is probably right and the DPDT was the cheapest solution. Maybe they needed DPDTs for other devices and ordered in bulk. And 10,000 DPDTs are usually cheaper than 5,000 DPDTs + 5,000 SPDTs.

As for the wiring: There I am going to disagree with Eric, I think redundancy may have been the thought behind that. To how much avail is another question...

Andy

[seten]

Cause: Reasons!

Is often the answer to such things. I'd say Eric is probably right and the DPDT was the cheapest solution. Maybe they needed DPDTs for other devices and ordered in bulk. And 10,000 DPDTs are usually cheaper than 5,000 DPDTs + 5,000 SPDTs.

As for the wiring: There I am going to disagree with Eric, I think redundancy may have been the thought behind that. To how much avail is another question...

Andy

How would that increase reliability?

[EBK]

How would that increase reliability?

Both halves of the switch will eventually wear out due to mechanical wear, oxidation/corrosion, or other factors (probably at some point way beyond the expected lifespan of the pedal).  One side will likely wear out first, leaving you with a switch that still works until the second side also wears out. As Andy seems to suggest, this increase in reliability may not be significant in the slightest but is rather just a feel-good for the builder.


Let's take a step back.  You said you actually broke your switch?  Guess the redundancy didn't help.   

[merlinb]

why is every row connected to each other?

To make it harder to pull out the capacitors when you want to mod something! 

[seten]

How would that increase reliability?

Both halves of the switch will eventually wear out due to mechanical wear, oxidation/corrosion, or other factors (probably at some point way beyond the expected lifespan of the pedal).  One side will likely wear out first, leaving you with a switch that still works until the second side also wears out. As Andy seems to suggest, this increase in reliability may not be significant in the slightest but is rather just a feel-good for the builder.


Let's take a step back.  You said you actually broke your switch?  Guess the redundancy didn't help.   

Makes sense - yeah but I definitely just stomped on it on accident