Switch Panel Wire Setup?

[JGibson]

I'm wondering if this is possible...I plan to wire my bow & stern light on two switches and I would like to have it so that when one switch is on they both work but only one of them works when the other switch is on. I haven't tried any wiring yet on this because I didn't want to blow anything up lol. The switch panel is a On/Off type switch. I was thinking I could add a jumper wire between the two and get it to work or would I need a On/Off/On switch?

 

[TheMaestro]

As you have it,it wont work. If you follow the circuit as you have with the jumper,then when either switch is on, it will energize the jumper making both lights go on on either switch. On when both are off will there be no light, if either one is on, both will light. You need the on/off/on type ( double pole)

 

[JMichael]

If you use a diode with your jumper wire it will work like you want.

 

[TheMaestro]

If you use a diode with your jumper wire it will work like you want.

Of course! Good solution!

 

[JMichael]

Something like this.

 

[JGibson]

Went and bought a 3 way switch, couldnt find a metal one so I bought one like this and worked it down to fit in the switch panel. Works great.

 

[JMichael]

Works great as in fits in the panel or works great as in it operates the lights as needed? I believe you'll still need that diode if you just got a "run of the mill" 3 way switch.

 

[RivRunR]

You could use a nav switch like this, but that doesn't solve the OP's original question about using 2 switches...

 

[JGibson]

Yea, that was wrong pic...it's like the one RivRunR posted. I was about half and half when I made that post yesterday LOL. Note to self: "Stay off internet while Intoxicated"