# Carling switches in RVs, boats, etc

**URL:** <https://forum.digikey.com/t/carling-switches-in-rvs-boats-etc/1505>\
**Category:** Switches\
**Tags:** switches, electromechanical, carling-technologies, faqs, associated-products\
**Created:** [June 6, 2018, 8:00pm UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/carling-switches-in-rvs-boats-etc/1505 "2018-06-06T20:00:20Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![rick\_1976](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/user_avatar/forum.digikey.com/rick_1976/32/1571_2.png) [@rick\_1976](https://forum.digikey.com/u/rick_1976)\
**Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 8:00pm UTC](https://forum.digikey.com/t/carling-switches-in-rvs-boats-etc/1505/1 "2018-06-06T20:00:20Z")

</div>

Carling’s [Contura series](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/rocker-switches/195) switches are quite commonly found in RVs, boats, and similar equipment. An example is shown below.

 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/original/2X/6/6947ba0c760824ae263fa2cf9a0c68ada764718e.jpg)

This actuators on these switches are removable, with the aid of an inexpensive [tool](http://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=432-1100-ND%20) designed for the purpose. This allows the switch series to be easily customized with different legend text/icons to suit different applications, using a shared handful of contact bodies, which look like the below. It can also allow a person to replace a burnt-out switch body while re-using the actuator, in cases where the actuator has custom or non-stock legend text.

 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/original/2X/5/567c4349ce6bef1f0dfede5301e5d982faac0995.jpg)

When seeking a replacement for such a switch, take a look at the text printed on the side of the switch body. In the example below, the “V8D1” is a key piece of information.  
 ![carling](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/original/2X/0/06843271313a66aa05a3249c466a1e695b011400.png)

According to the part number breakdown found in the [datasheet](http://www.carlingtech.com/sites/default/files/documents/V-Series-II-III_datasheet.pdf), this indicates that the pictured switch is a single-pole, double-throw momentary switch, using an 8-position terminal layout with 1/4" quick-connect terminals.

 ![carling%202](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/original/2X/c/cbe7a0cbabeda5f9e3fbaffb48063c4d20971a63.png)

This is the bulk of the information needed if one is to find a workable replacement; the remainder of the part number calls out things such as indicator lights, actuator styles, and similar options. Note however that if one simply uses “carling V8D1” as a search term on the [Digi-Key website](http://www.digikey.com), the results returned will be all products that include _both_ of the _exact_ terms “carling” and “V8D1” somewhere in their part number or parametric information. While one may need to make further selections regarding indicator lighting etc., the results of such a search in the context of this series of switches are likely to be few in number, and a close or exact match to one’s needs in terms of a replacement.

Finally, the 8- and 10-position terminal housings commonly used to make connections to this switch series can be found [here](https://www.digikey.com/short/wc09np02), along with some other related accessories. Contacts that fit into those housings can be found [here](https://www.digikey.com/short/4p4zr3f5). Note that beyond helping to avoid accidental mis-wiring (which _is_ a very good idea…) this connector system is not particularly special or magical, and standard 1/4" quick connect terminals for a 1/32" thick tab can be used when connecting to the switch in individual-wire fashion.