When you’re out on the water, faced with harsh and at times unpredictable conditions, you need your controls and components to be reliable and hard-wearing to help you weather the storm.
One of the leading causes of marine electrical failures is switchboard faults; such as contaminated panels, aging components, loose connections or poor contact surfaces. So choosing high quality components that are specially designed for marine applications is a necessity.
Marine Toggle Switches
Toggle switches are a type of 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. Marine toggle switches in particular are typically large, metal components that are made of hard-wearing, water-resistant materials.
Toggles have long been a key component for boat and marine controls, as they are simple and straightforward to use, even when wearing gloves. The toggle lever also makes it clear, even at a glance, if a circuit is on or off, making navigating and operating more efficient.
These reliable and rugged switches are used for a wide variety of functions on board a boat; including navigation systems, lighting and pumps.
Key Features of Marine Toggle Switches
To select the right toggles switches for your boat, you need to consider what your requirements are. Is there specific equipment that you need to control? What environment will the switches be operating in? Do they need to be designed for high currents and/or water-resistance? Marine environments are often quite harsh on equipment, so investing in the right components can really save you time and money in the long run. Some key attributes of marine toggles to consider are:
Waterproofing & Corrosion Resistance
The first thing that you need to consider when it comes to choosing toggle switches is their material and construction. Marine components should be made from corrosion and water-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or high quality plastic. A high quality marine-grade toggle switch should have an IP68 rating, which guarantees complete protection against particulates (dust and debris) and water submersion of over 30 minutes at below one meter. To further protect against water ingress when necessary, silicone toggle covers can also be implemented.
If your boat is going to be spending more time on the salty sea rather than on fresh water lakes and rivers, corrosion resistance is also crucial. This is because corrosion of electromechanical components can increase the risk of short circuiting and electrical fires.
Ratings & Configurations
Another important aspect to consider is the electrical and amperage rating of a toggle switch. For applications that require high currents, heavy duty toggles with a high max current and voltage capacity are needed to be able to handle the load. Similarly, the amperage rating needs to be high enough so that the switch will be able to function safely and continuously without risk of overheating.
Alongside the technical ratings, a simple factor such as the configuration of the switch poles & throws is equally as significant. For example, an SPST switch is all you need for operations such as lighting and security systems, whereas a DPST or DPDT switch is needed to control multiple circuits at once.
Ease of Use
If you are going to be using switches frequently and for a long time, their design and usability is also worth considering. For example, a lever with an ergonomic design that allows for smooth operation and comfortable grip may not seem important, but if the lever is hard to grip or sticks when you try to flip it, it will quickly become a nuisance.
Clear labelling is also important for any control panel, so selecting toggles that already feature ‘on/off’ markings will make installation and operation just that little bit simpler.
LED Illumination
When selecting marine toggle switches, choosing LED illuminated styles offers additional benefits to traditional non-illuminated options. This is especially advantageous during night time operations or adverse weather conditions, as LED illumination allows for enhanced visibility of controls. However, selecting the correct LED colour for the application is also key. For example, blue illumination may be easier to see during the day time, but could lead to eye strain when used in the dark. So in order to preserve night vision over longer journeys, red illumination is a better choice.
Our RJS-TOG series of metal toggle switches offer vibrant ring LED illumination in a range of colours and ‘ON/OFF’ markings for clear operational status. Plus, they have a sleek design whilst maintaining a hard-wearing and long-lasting performance thanks to their anti-vandal design.
Conclusion
With safety as a paramount at all times on board a boat, choosing the correct components is crucial to keep the electrical systems running reliably. For high quality, robust toggle switches with a range of configurations and illumination styles, RJS Electronics has got you covered. Speak to our Sales Engineers today to find out more about what we offer and we can help you to find the ideal toggles to keep you sailing along smoothly.
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