What are Toggle Switches?
Toggle switches are a type of plastic or metal electromechanical switch with a lever – known as a toggle – that can be pushed up and down (or left and right) from one position to another to control the flow of electricity through a circuit. They function similarly to rocker switches, but rockers feature a see-saw button rather than a lever.
Toggles are most commonly used as on/off switches, and their simple, versatile, and reliable design means that they are one of the most universally-used switch types.
Types of Toggle Switches
We have a wide array of plastic and metal toggle switches available in a range of styles and sizes.
It is most common for toggles to have a latching function with 2 positions (i.e. on/off, like a light switch), but we also offer them with 3 positions (e.g. on/off/on) and/or a momentary function that features a spring mechanism to return the lever back to its neutral position.
With SPST, SPDT, DPST or DPDT configuration and vertical or right-angle mounting, you can select the toggles that best suit your application. Plus, we have a variety of sealed, IP rated toggles for protection against dust and water.
When ordering our toggle switches, you can also choose to add switch guards to prevent them being knocked and turned on or off accidentally, and rubber boots which cover the actuator for added protection against dust and water.
Anti-Vandal Toggle Switches
The RJS-TOG is our series of anti-vandal, panel mount toggle switches with an IP67 rating and ring LED illumination. They are available in 19mm and 22mm panel cut out sizes, with 2 position or 3 position configuration. You can also choose either a black anodised or brushed steel finish, and whether you want to add soldered wire leads (500mm).
The hard-wearing yet sleek design of these toggles makes them an ideal choice for applications such as automotive or marine controls.
LED Illuminated Toggle Switches
If the RJS-TOG isn’t right for you but you still want illuminated toggle switches, we offer a range of alternatives, including the RJS-006-TOG-X-12V and the RJS-001-TOG-X-12V. These robust toggles feature an LED at the tip of their actuators, to allow the user to easily see when the switch is in the ‘on’ position.
A heavy-duty toggle switch with a plastic paddle lever and a 30A 12V DC rating for higher current applications. It is a latching toggle, with 2 positions and an SPST configuration.
Features a metal lever, with 2 positions, a latching function and a DPST configuration. Choose from red, green, yellow or blue LED illumination.
Miniature, Sub-miniature and Ultra-miniature Toggle Switches
We have many PCB mount toggle switches that are available in miniature, sub-miniature and ultra-miniature sizes. With the smallest actuators measuring just a few millimetres, you are sure to find the right toggles for your product; whether you need tiny light switches for doll houses or you want to fit a lot of switches into a tight space.
Toggle Switch Applications
As we’ve already mentioned, the simple design of toggle switches makes them one of the most widely used and versatile switch types. Their lever design means they are a popular choice for applications where the users may be wearing gloves, or may not be able to look at their switches directly as they use them (e.g. in vehicles and boats, in industrial equipment, or when working at night), as toggle switches can still be easily operated in these conditions.
Whether it’s a simple on/off switch for a kettle, or a whole panel of toggles controlling an aeroplane, there are endless applications for the humble toggle. Some of the applications that are customers use them for include:
Boat controls & marine tech
Aircraft simulators & ground control equipment
Industrial machinery controllers
Small home appliances & devices
Model trains, doll houses & other hobby applications*
Automotive controls; including custom car renovations
Amplifiers, effects pedals & audio equipment
Medical equipment
Film set and prop design
Racing sim controllers
*Note that this refers to manufacturers of these apparatus, as we do not sell individual switches direct to hobbyists.
Summary
If you’re looking for an economical, simple and reliable switch for your next project, toggle switches are an excellent choice. And whether you want large anti-vandal switches, toggles with LED illumination, IP rated switches, or ultra-miniature toggles, RJS has got you covered.
Get in contact with our Sales team today if you want to bring your project to life with our toggle switches.
Interested in our products? Speak to us today!
How to place an order?
We operate Monday – Thursday (8 am – 5 pm) and Fridays (8 am – 4.30 pm)
Call us on +44 (0) 1234 213600 to speak to our Sales Engineers or e-mail us
on sales@rjselectronics.com alternatively, leave us a message using our online contact form.
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