I am trying to create a simple device that lights an LED through an
illuminated on/off rocker switch. I have successfully wired the switch
so that the on/off action works and actually turns the LED on and off.
I am completely stumped as to getting the LED in the actual switch to
illuminate. Someone told me that I would need to ground the third
prong on the switch in order to make it illuminate.

So, is that what needs to be done? If so, how do I wire it so that it is grounded?

The components that I'm using are:

1) 9V battery
2) 22 Gauge wire
3) Illuminated Rocker Switch (please refer to the following link):
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F002%5F015%5F003&product%5Fid=275%2D692&hp=search
4) LED
5) Resistor
6) Quick-Connects (I'm not soldering anything)

I have drawn a diagram for what I have done to make the switch action
work for turning the LED on and off.
http://home.earthlink.net/~shawnmuller/diagram.jpg

On the Diagram: Red = Switch, Blue = resistor, Green = LED

Thanks!

Hi,

That switch is a SPST (Single Pull Single Throw) It pulls from the
center (positive) and outputs to the end(s) depending on the position
of the switch.

One side throw is what lights it. However it is a 125 Volts AC 10 Amp.
So the LED/bulb built in, powers it self. So your basically trying to
light a 125 Volt AC 11Amp bulb with a 9 volt battery. Alas, it won't
light with a 9 volt battery. That switch is for power strips
basically. What you need is a SPST 12 Volt DC. You might try this
switch, it may work depending how much is needed for the internal
light.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=275-712

CIOU

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