The kind of switch I’m looking for is similar (though obviously not identical) to the kind you see in movies where the guys stick their keys in a lock and turn it to be able to launch nuclear missiles. Or sort of like an ignition switch for a car, but not, again, obviously, for such a thing. I’ve seen them used on various equipment over the years to lock out power sources so that no one can run a machine. Anybody know what they’re called and where I can get one?
They’re called Keyswitches
I’ve always referred to them as “key-lock switch” or “ignition lock/switch”.
Grrr… “place”. That’s what I get for trying to answer a question at 3AM after ranting about theatre for a good hour.
And then you can put one of these over it, and really make it look like it’s for launching a missile.
Check them out at the nearest electrical supplier. The bigger they are the better the selection available. They can order one from catalog(S) too.
Allen Bradley Key switch or this one by Rockwell should fit the bill.
I have accounts with both electrical suppliers and locksmith equipment vendors for that sort of stuff. They are available in a variety of functions-key retained in all but off, momentary, spring return, and so forth. Ordinary and biaxial keyways, too. Send me an email, Tuckerfan and detail what you’re seeking.
As a bit of a hijack, I have a question about a different kind of switch. Does somebody make a cheap box (not something that goes in the wall) that turns off an outlet via a remote control? It’s so I can turn the light off from bed. Bonus points if it resets to on, when I turn the wall switch off, so I can turn it back on with just the wall switch.
X10.com is much reviled for its ongoing “spam” once you register or order, but they have what you you sem to want, at a decent price. A lot of people also take advantage of their gimmicky bulk sales, and resell on eBay.
I’m not a huge fan, but all in all, I’ve found that their products usually meet my needs, and are IMHO underutilized. “X-10” refers to the underlying technology that goes back to the 70s (at least) when I first started using them as a teem (It was pricey then, but yard sales around here often sold them, because the nouveaux-riche quickly learned that they actually had to install them for them to work.