When pressed, a rocker switch trips (rather than trips), meaning one side of the switch is elevated while the other side is lowered, much like a rocking horse. To indicate to the user whether the device is on or off, a rocker switch may have a circle (for "on") on one end and a horizontal dash or line (for "off") on the other. Surge protectors, display monitors, computer power supplies, and many more products and applications employ switches.
How Do Rocker Switches Work?
For operation, switches have springs, moveable contacts, fixed contacts, and other mechanical components. The spring movement tilts the moveable contact to create a connection with the output contacts when the switch is pushed from ON to OFF or vice versa.
Types of Switches
These switches are offered in a wide range of formats and designs, each with its own benefits and restrictions in relation to device kinds and applications. Among the most typical variations are:
- On-off
- On-on
- Lighted rocker
- Oval rocker
- Power rocker
- Speed rocker
- Changeover
- Pushbutton
What are Switches Used for?
The most commonly used switch type in the industry, the rocker switch, covers a large range of equipment and applications. Most of the on-off power and light switches are available in the home or office, as they are designed specifically for a rocker or toggle-type operation, whereas rockers seem to be more commonly used. Power outlets, surge protectors, extensions, and wall sockets nearly always have them. On several other types of standalone appliances and integrated electrical equipment, they are also often utilized. Although it's not always the case, it's common to see light off-on power rockers are not always standard.
How Does a Rocker Switch Work?
Simple downward pressure on one end of the switch is often all that is needed to shift it between places during operation. Overall, they frequently need less physical skill or effort to convert between positions than their toggle counterparts, making them even simpler to use. In comparison to other toggle-style alternatives, switches may be slightly more prone to momentary sticking between positions, depending on the number of positions supplied and the manufacturing quality of a specific device. Some are made with integrated spring-loading, which means that when they are not being pressed, they will automatically return to a neutral position, helping to prevent this.
