This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Rocker Switches category on DigiKey.com
Rocker Switches are electromechanical devices used to start or stop current flow along a circuit. Devices in this family are turned on or off through the use of an actuator that rocks along a center axis. This switch can be mounted in a panel or on a PCB either through-hole or surface mount with one to four circuits and current ranging from 50mA to 40A and voltage ranging from 5V to 277V.
SelectionCharacteristics
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Circuit: Describes device function in terms of a number of poles and throws, as is typical for mechanical switches. For more information please see: Switch Basics, Examples of Pole and Throw
Switch Function: Refers to the specific operation or behavior of a switch, indicating the primary purpose or mode of operation. For more information please see: Switch Basics, Examples of Pole and Throw
Current Rating (Amps): Typically this represents the maximum current to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this current may damage the device and other system components.
Voltage Rating - AC: Typically this represents the maximum AC voltage to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage may damage the device and other system components.
Voltage Rating - DC: Typically this represents the maximum DC voltage to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage may damage the device and other system components.
Actuator Type: The specific design or style of the mechanism used to change the switch position.
Color - Actuator/Cap: Refers to the specific color of the actuator or cap of a switch.
Actuator Marking: The symbols on the switch that indicate function or position to a user.
Illumination Type, Color: Refers to the method or technology used to provide illumination or backlighting to the switch and the color of that illumination.
Illumination Voltage (Nominal): Indicates the nominal operating voltage of a product’s illumination or backlighting feature, for products equipped therewith.
Termination Style: Selection of termination style used to connect the device to a system, such as blade terminals, PC pins, or wire leads.
Ingress Protection:
IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings (IP20, IP65, IP67, etc.) - Define how likely it is that water and dirt will get into the system. The first number is for dirt and solid contaminants and the second number is for water.
IP Ratings
| Protection Level | Solids | Liquids |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protected against solids larger than 50mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited Ingress permitted. |
| 2 | Protected against solids larger than 12.5mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 3 | Protected against solids larger than 2.5mm. | Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted for 3 minutes. |
| 4 | Protected against solids larger than 1mm. | Protected against water splashing from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against dust. Limited ingress of dust permitted. | Will not affect the operation of equipment 2-8 hours. Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No ingress of dust 2-8 hours. | Protected against powerful jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | ______________________ | Protected against the effects of immersion in 15cm-1m for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | ______________________ | Continuous immersion in water up to 3m for long periods of time. |
| 9 | ______________________ | Protected against high-pressure jets of hot water. (30 seconds) |
| 9K | ______________________ | Protected against high-pressure jets of hot water. (2 minutes) |
Features: These are different capabilities of the device such as antimicrobial, guard, or sealed.
Panel Cutout Dimensions: Refers to the measurements or dimensions of the opening or cutout in the panel.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | G12KP |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | G12KP-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | NKK Switches |
| DESCRIPTION | Rocker Switch SPDT 0.4VA (AC/DC) 28 V Through Hole |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | RMD1R102VS2QES |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 450-2075-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | TE Connectivity ALCOSWITCH Switches |
| DESCRIPTION | Rocker Switch DPDT 3A (AC/DC) 120 V Through Hole |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | RA1122AC |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 2449-RA1122AC-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CIT Relay and Switch |
| DESCRIPTION | Rocker Switch SPST 15A (AC) 125 V Panel Mount, Snap-In |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | GW12LJPF |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 360-2111-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | NKK Switches |
| DESCRIPTION | Rocker Switch SPDT 0.4VA (AC/DC) 28 V Through Hole |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
E-Switch presents E-Bits: RB1 and RB2 Rocker Switches
HR-Series Halo Illuminated Sealed Rocker Switch
FNR Series, APEM’s miniature waterproof
R6 E-Switch Rocker
What Switch do You Need?
NKK Switches JWMW Series Rocker Switches
Articles
What You Need to Know About Switches
Mechanical Switches Meet Many Application Criteria
Switch Tutorial
Implementing Hardware Switch Debounce
Blogs
Basics of Switches
Product Training Modules
CW 2000-4000 Series Rocker Switches - CW Industries
R7 Series Power Rocker Switch - E-Switch
Remote Reset Rocker Switch Type A8GS - Omron
CF-LA Series Rocker Switch - Copal Electronics
Rocker Switches - E-Switch
Antimicrobial Switches - Bulgin
Ingress Protect Rated Sealed Switch - CW Industries
TechForum
Paralleling Circuits to Extend Switch Life
How to wire a DPDT switch as 4-Way for Multiway Switching