¿Qué es un rocker switch?
A rocker switch, is an electrical device used to open or close an electrical circuit. This type of switch gets its name from its operating mechanism, which involves rocking or pivoting a lever or switch in a specific direction to activate or deactivate the circuit.
Typically, rocker switches have a lever that can be moved up, down, or sideways, depending on their design, to change the switch's position. When the lever is in a certain position, the electrical circuit is in one state (open or closed), and when it is moved to the other position, the circuit's state changes.
These switches are used in a variety of applications, such as appliances, control panels, lighting systems, electronic equipment, and more. They come in different sizes, shapes, and configurations, allowing them to be adapted to various design and functionality needs. Rocker switches are popular because of their ease of use and their ability to maintain a stable position once activated or deactivated, making them suitable for applications that require a simple and durable switching action.
What types are there?
There are several types of rocker switches, and their design and features can vary depending on the specific application's needs.
Some of the most common types of rocker switches include:
- Unipolar Rocker Switches: These switches have an on/off position and are used to control a single circuit.
- Bipolar Rocker Switches: Also known as two-position switches, they allow the control of two different circuits with a single lever. Each position of the lever corresponds to a different circuit.
- Three-Position Rocker Switches: These switches have three distinct positions on the lever and can be used to control three different functions. Generally, when three positions are available, the central position is the off position.
- Rocker Switches with Waterproof and Dustproof Protection: Rocker switches designed for outdoor or wet environments often have an IP rating (protection against water and dust ingress) to keep them operating safely in harsh conditions.
- Illuminated Rocker Switches: These rocker switches have built-in lights that illuminate the lever when the switch is in the on position. This makes them easy to use in dark environments or to indicate the switch's status.
- High-Capacity Rocker Switches: Some rocker switches are designed to handle higher electrical currents and voltages than standard models, making them suitable for industrial and high-power applications.
- Miniature Rocker Switches: These are smaller versions of standard rocker switches and are used in applications where space is limited.
- Locking or Safety Rocker Switches: These rocker switches require an additional action or the use of a key to turn them on or off, making them suitable for safety applications or to prevent accidental activation.
- Custom Rocker Switches: Depending on design needs and user specifications, custom rocker switches with specific features can be found.
These are just some examples of the types of rocker switches available in the market. The choice of switch type depends on the application and the specific requirements of each project.
Momentary Push Buttons, Switches, and Rocker Switches
In addition to the rocker switch types mentioned above, there are also momentary rocker switches. These switches differ in their operation, as they do not maintain a constant on or off position but automatically return to their initial position once pressure is released or force on the lever is interrupted. Here is a description of the types of momentary rocker switches:
- Momentary Unipolar Rocker Switch: This type of momentary rocker switch has a rest position and an activation position. When pressure is applied to the lever in the activation position, a momentary electrical connection is established, and when the lever is released, the switch automatically returns to the rest position, interrupting the circuit.
- Momentary Bipolar Rocker Switch: Similar to the momentary unipolar switch, this switch has two rest and activation positions and is used to control two different circuits. The momentary action occurs by pressing the lever in one of the activation positions, and the switch returns to the rest position when the lever is released.
- Two-Position Momentary Switched Rocker: It can have 1 or 2 circuits, and the push button switches to one of 2 functions. There is no central position.
- Momentary with Center Return: These momentary rocker switches are designed with a spring return mechanism that ensures the lever automatically returns to the rest position as soon as pressure is released. This makes them ideal for applications where momentary control is required, such as raising or lowering a shade.
- Momentary with Locking: Some momentary rocker switches are equipped with a locking feature that allows the lever to stay in the activation position until an additional action is taken to release it.
Momentary rocker switches are used in various applications, such as momentary push buttons in electronic devices, doorbells, machine controls, and more, where temporary control is needed, and automatic return to the rest position after activation.
Additionally, there are mixed rocker switches, where one position is momentary and the other is not.
In general, these switches are mounted in a rectangular or square hole in the wall or panel where they will be installed. The exact shape of the hole may vary slightly depending on the switch's model and manufacturer, but generally, a rectangular or square shape is used. The sizes of these holes are often standardized and compatible among different manufacturers. Manufacturers of these devices provide the measurements for the hole to be made. To install this type of switch on a panel, it will be necessary to mark the rectangle or square with the hole's measurements. Using an appropriate cutting tool, such as a sheet metal shear, it is possible to easily make the necessary rectangular cut. Select this link if you want to see the HRHA001 tool!