The light switch is a key example of what a rocker switch is but not just interior or exterior light switches, Rocker switches are used for garage or shutter doors, indoor windows and or car windows.

Rocker switches and Toggle switches can be a great alternative to traditional PCB and Panel mount push button switches which require a simple ‘on’ and ‘off’. We have a range of PCB and Panel mount, Rocker switches with a variety of actuators and paddles. Many of our panel mount rocker switches are available with and without LED illumination and custom etching is also available. We have a wide range of PCB and panel mount rocker switches available with pins and SPDT – 4PDT. Available in a vertical and horizontal position, THT (through-hole technology) and SMT (surface mount technology), for more information on voltage, contacts/terminals speak to our Sales Engineers.

What are Rocker Switches?

Rocker switches are switches commonly used to operate a device on and off. A rocker switch has a see-saw motion, which will indicate if the device or operation is on or off. Rocker switches are most used to operate power switch found on power sockets, to operate light switches and a range of industrial and domestic appliances such as: TVS, screens, hair styling devices. Rocker switches are panel mount switches which are used to switch an electrical device on and off. Rocker switches use a see-saw method, to operate switching between on and off and can be commonly located on power sockets, domestic and commercial appliances such as TVs, hair styling tools and other household appliances.

Here are some key features of a Rocker Switch?

We have a wide range of rocker switches with a range of key features.

Shape:

Select from round, rectangular and square shapes of rocker switches, available with or without LED illumination or custom etching, to support your design.

Horizontal vs Vertical: Select from horizontal and vertical rocker switches, allowing you to design without compromise.

Custom:

Our custom options include LED illumination, etching, stamping and the colour of the plastic casing. Need something that stands out? Ask our Sales engineers on the possibilities of our Rocker Switches. Select from non-illuminated or Rocker with LED illumination light. Traditional design features of non-illuminated rocker switches often have a circle and horizontal dash markings which indicate the Rocker switch ‘on’ and ‘off’ function. However, this can be changed to suit your design.  Other Rocker switches have a coloured LED which lights up when the switch is on. Our rocker switches can be customised to support custom etching and LED illumination. For more information regarding the LED illumination options, custom etching/stamping or colour of materials, call us to speak to our Sales Engineers.

IP Rating: Let us give you a break down of the IP ratings. Click to save or screenshot the table, for future reference. Many of our PCB and panel mount rocker switches are IP rated. For more information about IP ratings, click to read our blog about IP rating. 

Pole and Throw Configurations

We have a range of Rocker switches which support a range of poles and throws. Rocker switches are commonly referred to as single pole and double pole which relates to the number of circuits that are controlled by the switch. The throw defines how many positions the switches poles can be connected to.

• SPSP – single pole single throw
• SPDT – single pole double throw
• DPST – double pole single throw
• DPDT – double pole double throw
• 3PDT – Three poles double throw
• 4DPDT – Four poles double throw

SPST rocker switches make or break the connection of a single conductor in a single branch circuit. This switch type typically has two terminals and is referred to as a single-pole switch.

SPDT rocker switches make or break the connection of a single conductor with either of two other single conductors. These switches usually have three terminals and are commonly used in pairs. SPDT switches are sometimes called three-way switches.

DPST rocker switches make or break the connection of two circuit conductors in a single branch circuit. They usually have four terminals.

DPDT rocker switches make or break the connection of two conductors to two separate circuits. They usually have six terminals are available in both momentary and maintained contact versions.

Switch Configurations:

A normally open (NO) rocker switch has contacts that are open or disconnected in their unactuated (normal) position. A normally closed (NC) rocker switch has contacts that are closed or connected in their unactuated (normal) position.

Switch Configurations

Rocker switches are electrical switches actuated by a standard or dual rocker or paddle. They are available in different configurations including two-position On/Off, three-position, momentary, maintained and more.

Momentary ON – describes contacts which interrupt the circuit when the rocker switch is in the normal, open (NO) position.

Momentary OFF – describes contacts which establish a circuit when the rocker switch is in the normal, closed (NC) position.

Alternate ON/OFF – describes a switch where the first actuation turns the rocker switch ON and the second actuation turns the rocker switch OFF.