Rocker Switches – RJS Electronics Ltd

Exploring Rocker Switches

What is a Rocker Switch?

Rocker switches are commonly used for switching electronic devices on and off. They operate on a see-saw mechanism, where pressing one side down causes the other side to raise, similar to a see-saw.

Our rocker switches come in various termination options, including right angle, vertical, or vertical right angle through hole. We also offer ultra-miniature rocker switches. They are available as SPDT or DPDT, offering options for epoxy seal and gold contacts contact rating up to 0.4VA.

Our rocker switches can be used for a variety of purposes, such as turning on a coffee machine or activating specific features. We have a wide range of options available, including different sizes, voltages, types of actuators, configurations from SPDT to 4PDT, panel mount and PCB mount, sealed IP rated options, illuminated rockers, and various numbers of poles and throws.

Available with a range of actuators and configurations (SPST, DPDT, 3PDT, 4PDT).

Throws and Poles

SPST: single pole, single throw.

DPST: double pole, single throw.

DPDT: single pole, double throw.

DPDT: double pole, double throw.

Notice that our Rocker Switches have ‘SPDT and DPDT’. Here is why… These abbreviations denote ‘poles, throws.

Usually, a switch will have two terminals, one for the current to go in and the other to come out. However, a switch may have more than two pins.

The number of poles on a switch defines how many separate circuits the switch can control. So a switch with one pole (SPST), can only influence one single circuit. The amount of Poles will determine how many circuits the component can control.

A switch’s throw count defines how many positions each of the switch’s poles can be connected to. For example, if a switch has two throws, each circuit (pole) in the switch can be connected to one of two terminals.

You’ll see poles and throws, “single-pole, single-throw”, “single-pole, double-throw”, and “double-pole, double-throw”, abbreviated down to SPST, SPDT, and DPDT, respectively.

Applications:

Rocker switches are used for a variety of electrical devices suited for domestic and commercial use. Additionally, our rocker switches support a range of industries.