What are Rocker switches?
Rocker Switches operate on a see-saw mechanism, when one side is pressed down the other side raises. Available as PCB or panel mount, designed to switch a device on/off or to activate a certain feature. For example, turning a coffee machine on. we supply a wide range of rocker switches supporting a wide range of options including different sizes, voltages, types of actuators, configurations SPDT – 4PDT, panel mount and PCB mount, sealed IP rated options, illuminated rockers and the number of poles and throws.
Key Features
Poles & Throws Explained – The number of poles on a switch defines how many separate circuits the switch can control. Therefore, a switch with one pole (SPST), can only influence one single circuit. The amount of Poles will determine how many circuits the component, Rocker Switch, 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.
SPST 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 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 switches make or break the connection of two circuit conductors in a single branch circuit. They usually have four terminals.
DPDT 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.
A normally open (NO) switch has contacts that are open or disconnected in their unactuated (normal) position. A normally closed (NC) switch has contacts that are closed or connected in their unactuated (normal) position.
Momentary ON – describes contacts that interrupt the circuit when the switch is in the normal, open (NO) position.
Momentary OFF – describes contacts that establish a circuit when the switch is in the normal, closed (NC) position.
Alternate ON/OFF – describes a switch where the first actuation turns the switch ON and the second actuation turns the switch OFF.
Switch Voltage Rating – This states the maximum voltage accepted in an electrical circuit where the switch is utilised.
Illumination and Markings – We supply LED illuminated rockers which can be available with or without symbols or text.
Typical markings include ‘|’ & ‘O’, the universal symbols for off and on. Or just simply the text itself on either end of the rocker.
IP Rated Rockers – A selection of our Rocker switches are sealed to IP67. See an outline of the IP ratings and their meanings below. For more information on click here to read our blog post.
IP65 | Dust tight, protected against water projected from a nozzle. |
IP66 | Dust tight and protected against powerful water jets. |
IP67 | Dust tight and protected from water immersion for 30 minutes between depths of 150mm – 1000mm. |
IP68 | Dust tight and protected against continuous water immersion. |
How to place an order?
There are many ways to place an order and enquire about our push button Metal switches
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 [email protected] alternatively, leave us a message using our online contact form.
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