How to make electric step switch more accessible?

[ForeignShaws]

We're recent owners of a 71 plate AT Imala 625, but the switch for the electric step is inside the LH doorframe at about 6'6" from ground level.
At 6'4" it's OK for me to reach, but SWMBO is complaining that if she's close enough to reach the switch the step (often covered in road dirt) hits her mid shin.
It's a standard CBE 5pin 2 way toggle switch so would it work if I just install a second switch in parallel, lower down on the NS panel??
I'm reluctant to just move the existing switch as it would be near to floor level and awkward to access when in the van.
Any thoughts?

 

[Alsatian]

Hmm, mine is TOO accessible! Parked on site yesterday and pushed the button to put the step out. Did all the usual setting up duties and, as I was going out, 'coggled over' (sic northern saying?} and caught the step button, which proceeded to rapudly dissappear underneath the van.
Unfortunately my aged brain didn't work quickly enough to stop me stepping outside, and I put my foot down to where the step was, and end up scuttling to the ground rather ungraciously! Fortunately I managed to stop myself going 'a o t' fully on to the ground!

 

[ForeignShaws]

Hmm, mine is TOO accessible! Parked on site yesterday and pushed the button to put the step out. Did all the usual setting up duties and, as I was going out, 'coggled over' (sic northern saying?} and caught the step button, which proceeded to rapudly dissappear underneath the van.
Unfortunately my aged brain didn't work quickly enough to stop me stepping outside, and I put my foot down to where the step was, and end up scuttling to the ground rather ungraciously! Fortunately I managed to stop myself going 'a o t' fully on to the ground!

Ouch, and it's a long way down, especially when you're not expecting the drop.

 

[gus-lopez]

We're recent owners of a 71 plate AT Imala 625, but the switch for the electric step is inside the LH doorframe at about 6'6" from ground level.
At 6'4" it's OK for me to reach, but SWMBO is complaining that if she's close enough to reach the switch the step (often covered in road dirt) hits her mid shin.
It's a standard CBE 5pin 2 way toggle switch so would it work if I just install a second switch in parallel, lower down on the NS panel??
I'm reluctant to just move the existing switch as it would be near to floor level and awkward to access when in the van.
Any thoughts?

Yes,it would work OK.

 

[autorouter]

I've not actually done this, but it sounds like it ought to work. I have a similar thing, a single button that retracts the step on the dashboard, as well as the switch by the door. I think all the switch does is send power to the step motor in one direction to lower it, and in the reverse direction to raise it.

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[Two on Tour]

As gus-lopez says.
With the second switch in parallel with the original switch, you will be mimicking the original switch connections when the second switch is operated.

 

[ForeignShaws]

I've not actually done this, but it sounds like it ought to work. I have a similar thing, a single button that retracts the step on the dashboard, as well as the switch by the door. I think all the switch does is send power to the step motor in one direction to lower it, and in the reverse direction to raise it.

Thanks. What info I can find indicates it's a simple circuit, but I obviously have an Auto retract relay when I start.
Beats me why the designers didn't think it might be a problem for shorter users.

 

[ForeignShaws]

As gus-lopez says.
With the second switch in parallel with the original switch, you will be mimicking the original switch connections when the second switch is operated.

That's what I thought. I'll see what I can put in place to try it out.
The dealers helpful comment was 'tell your Wife to grow a bit!!'.

 

[Elsie2010]

Hmm, mine is TOO accessible! Parked on site yesterday and pushed the button to put the step out. Did all the usual setting up duties and, as I was going out, 'coggled over' (sic northern saying?} and caught the step button, which proceeded to rapudly dissappear underneath the van.
Unfortunately my aged brain didn't work quickly enough to stop me stepping outside, and I put my foot down to where the step was, and end up scuttling to the ground rather ungraciously! Fortunately I managed to stop myself going 'a o t' fully on to the ground!

.....and that image will live in my brain forever!
I've just spent the last 5 minutes uncontrollably laughing again!