Cole Hersee 48408 Heavy-Duty Electrical Switch

Description

Key Technical Specifications

Identification caution: I could not verify a sufficiently authoritative technical datasheet for the exact 48408 part number in the sources available. Cole Hersee has a large number of visually similar toggle, rocker, rotary, and heavy-duty switches, with substantially different voltage, current, terminal, and circuit ratings. For example, published Cole Hersee material shows some rocker products at 20 A/12 V DC and 15 A/24 V DC, while other switch families have materially different ratings.

Do not substitute those ratings for 48408. Confirm the markings on the actual switch before connecting a load.

Product Introduction

The Cole Hersee 48408 is identified as a Cole Hersee electrical switch intended for vehicle or equipment electrical-control applications. Cole Hersee manufactures toggle, rocker, rotary, and other switching products for 6–36 V DC vehicle and equipment systems, with specifications varying substantially by series and configuration.

For replacement work, the exact electrical configuration matters more than the external appearance. Verify the 48408 terminal arrangement, contact rating, mounting dimensions, and circuit function against the original switch before installation.

Installation & Configuration Guide

Stage 1: Pre-Installation Preparation — Approximately 5 Minutes

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect the relevant DC power source before removing the switch. If the switch controls starter, battery, hydraulic, lighting, emergency, or other hazardous equipment circuits, follow the machine manufacturer’s isolation procedure and LOTO requirements.

Tools Required:

• ESD-safe work practices where electronic equipment is nearby
• Phillips screwdriver
• Digital multimeter
• Wire labels
• Smartphone for photographs
• Appropriate terminal tools

Data Backup:

1. Photograph the installed Cole Hersee 48408 from the front.
2. Photograph the rear terminal arrangement.
3. Record every wire location.
4. Record wire colors and terminal markings.
5. Check the existing switch part number.
6. Record the controlled circuit voltage and fuse/breaker rating.
7. Confirm the replacement contact rating before installation.

❗ Do not wire this switch from memory. Cole Hersee offers numerous similar-looking switches with different SPST, SPDT, DPST, and DPDT configurations. Published catalog data confirms that terminal arrangement and circuit function vary considerably between models.

Stage 2: Removing the Old Switch — Approximately 5 Minutes

1. Disconnect and isolate the applicable power supply.
2. Verify zero voltage at the switch terminals with a multimeter.
3. Photograph the complete wiring arrangement.
4. Label each conductor before disconnecting it.
5. Remove the retaining hardware or panel mounting mechanism.
6. Carefully remove the switch without pulling on the wiring.
7. Inspect the panel cutout for deformation or corrosion.
8. Inspect terminals for overheating, oxidation, or loose crimp connections.

⚠️ If a terminal shows heat discoloration, do not simply install the new switch. Investigate excessive current, a loose connection, undersized wiring, or an incorrectly rated fuse.

Stage 3: Installing the New Switch — Approximately 5 Minutes

1. Compare the new switch against the original before connecting anything.
2. Confirm the 48408 part number.
3. Confirm the terminal arrangement.
4. Confirm the switch’s electrical rating.
5. Install the switch in the correct panel orientation.
6. Transfer each conductor according to the photographs and wiring diagram.
7. Tighten terminals to the applicable manufacturer’s specification.
8. Check that no exposed conductor can contact adjacent terminals.
9. Confirm the switch actuator operates freely.

Self-Checklist:

• Part number verified
• Circuit configuration verified
• Voltage rating verified
• Current rating verified
• Terminal locations matched
• Wiring secured
• Mounting hardware tight
• No exposed conductor
• Actuator operates correctly

Stage 4: Power-On & Testing — Approximately 5–10 Minutes

1. Keep the controlled equipment in a safe state.
2. Energize the circuit.
3. Check the switch input voltage.
4. Operate the switch through every available position.
5. Measure the switched output voltage.
6. Confirm the connected load responds correctly.
7. Check for abnormal heating at the terminals.
8. Verify the fuse or circuit breaker remains stable under normal load.
9. Perform a controlled operational test of the equipment.

⚠️ Do not use continuity alone as proof that the replacement is suitable. A switch may show correct continuity while still having an inadequate voltage or current rating for the actual load.

48408

48408

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Cole Hersee 48408?

The 48408 is a Cole Hersee electrical switch part number. Cole Hersee manufactures switching components for vehicle, mobile-equipment, marine, and other DC electrical systems. The exact electrical configuration of 48408 should be confirmed from the physical marking or OEM documentation before replacement.

What voltage and current can the 48408 switch handle?

I would not assign a voltage or current rating to 48408 without confirming the exact OEM specification. Cole Hersee has many similar switch designs with different ratings. For comparison, published Cole Hersee rocker documentation lists some products at 20 A at 12 V DC and 15 A at 24 V DC, while other families have different ratings. Those figures should not be applied to 48408.

Can I replace 48408 with another Cole Hersee switch that looks identical?

Not automatically. Match the circuit configuration, terminal count, terminal positions, voltage rating, current rating, mounting dimensions, and actuator configuration. Two switches can have almost identical housings while performing different electrical functions.

Is the Cole Hersee 48408 obsolete?

I could not establish a reliable current manufacturer-status determination for the exact 48408 from the sources reviewed. Treat it as an identification requiring verification rather than assuming either active or obsolete status.

Is this switch suitable for 12 V and 24 V systems?

That depends on the exact 48408 electrical rating. Cole Hersee manufactures switches for both 12 V and 24 V vehicle systems, but the ratings are product-specific. The manufacturer catalog confirms that its broader toggle/rocker range covers multiple DC system voltages.

What should I send a supplier before ordering 48408?

Send three photographs if possible:

1. Front of the switch showing the actuator.
2. Rear showing all terminals.
3. The complete part-number/date-code marking.

Also provide the existing system voltage and the load being switched. That information substantially reduces the risk of receiving a mechanically similar but electrically different Cole Hersee switch.

Is New Original the same as refurbished?

No. New Original/New Surplus should mean an unused OEM unit, subject to verification of storage and packaging condition. Refurbished means the component has previously been used or processed and subsequently inspected, repaired, or tested. For an older switch, request clear photographs of the actual unit rather than relying only on a catalog photograph.