Rocker switches are commonly used as an on/off switch that rocks (rather than trips) when pressed, meaning the rocker opens or closes the circuit. So one side of the rocker switch is raised while the other side is depressed, much like a seesaw or rocking horse. But what are the best rocker switches available right now?
Rocker switches are known for their ease of use as the actuation is typically intuitive, and they often provide a satisfying click or tactile feedback when activated. They come in different sizes, colors and styles, making them suitable for a wide range of uses. They’re also known for their durability and reliability. Here are the best rocker switches for 2024.
Best Rocker Switches 2024
Select any product to look at the detail specifications; continue below for more information on each and to purchase online.
ELECTRICAL RATING: Option D (2 Pos. Functions): 20A @ 125VAC, T105 [cURus]; 16A @ 250VAC, T105 [cURus]; 3/4HP @ 125VAC, T105 [cURus]; 3/4HP @ 250VAC, T105 [cURus]; Option E (3 Pos. Funtions): 16A @ 125VAC, T65 [cURus]; 16A @ 250VAC, T65 [cURus] OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 65°C ELECTRICAL LIFE: 10,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 35mΩ Max. at 50VAC INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. at 500VAC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,500VAC for 1 Minute DUST/MOISTURE PROTECTION: IP54 with Optional Silicone Cap
Electrical Rating: A – 16(8)A, 125/250VAC, T55, IP67; B – 20(8)A, 125/250VAC, T55, IP67; C – 25(8)A, 125/250VAC, T55, IP67; D – 16A, 6-48VDC, T55, IP67; E – 20A, 6-36VDC, T55, IP67; 1 – 16(8)A, 125/250VAC, T125/55; 2 – 20(8)A, 125/250VAC, T125/55; 4 – 16A, 6-48VDC, 40T125/55; 5 – 20A, 6-36VDC, 40T125/55 Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C Electrical Life: 10,000 Cycles Contact Resistance: 20mΩ Max. at 50VAC initial Insulation Resistance: 100MΩ Min. at 500VDC Dielectric Strength: 1,000VAC for 1 min. Ingress Protection: IP67 Agency Approvals: cURus, ENEC15
ELECTRICAL RATING: Option C: 16A @ 125VAC [UL, cUL]; 10A @ 250VAC [UL, cUL]; 1/3HP @ 125/250VAC [UL, cUL]; Option 3: 10A @ 125VAC [UL, cUL] OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 105°C [UL, cUL] ELECTRICAL LIFE: 10,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 35mΩ Max. @ 50VAC INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. @ 500VAC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,500VAC for 1 Minute
ELECTRICAL RATING: 15A @ 125VAC [UR, cUR]; 8A @ 250VAC [UR, cUR] MECHANICAL LIFE: 30,000 Cycles ELECTRICAL LIFE: 10,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 20mΩ Typical, Initial INSULATION RESISTANCE: >1,000MΩ DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: >1,500V for 1 Minute OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -30°C to 65°C
ELECTRICAL RATING: Option D: 20A @ 125VAC, T65 [UL, cUL]; 12A @ 250VAC, T65 [UL, cUL] OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 65°C [UL, cUL] ELECTRICAL LIFE: 10,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 35mΩ Max. at 50VAC INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. @ 500VAC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,500VAC for 1 Minute
ELECTRICAL RATING: Silver: 3A @ 120VAC 280VDC; Gold: 0.4VA 20V AC or VDC ELECTRICAL LIFE: 50,000 Make-and-Break Cycles at Full Load CONTACT RESISTANCE: 20mΩ Max Initial INSULATION RESISTANCE: 1,000MΩ Min. DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,000V RMS at Sea Level OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -30°C to 85°C PACKAGING: Tactile tape and reel
CONTACT RATING: Dependent Upon Contact Material MECHANICAL LIFE: 40,000 Make-or-break cycles ELECTRONIC LIFE: 6,000 Make-or-break cycles at full load CONTACT RESISTANCE: 10mΩ Max. Initial INSULATION RESISTANCE: 1,000MΩ Min. DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,000V RMS for 1 Minute OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -30°C to 85°C / MATERIALS / TERMINAL/SWITCH SUPPORT: Brass or Steel Electrotin Plated CONTACTS/TERMINALS: Silver or Gold Plated Copper Alloy
ELECTRICAL RATING: Option 3: 10A @ 125VAC [cURus]; Option C: 16A @ 125VAC, 1/3HP, T105 [cURus]; 10A @ 250VAC, 1/3HP, T105 [cURus] OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 105°C ELECTRICAL LIFE: 10,000 Cycles MECHANICAL LIFE: 100,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 35mΩ Max. at 500VDC INSULATION RESISTANCE: 500MΩ Min. at 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,500VAC for 1 Minute
ELECTRICAL RATING: Option D: 20A @ 125VAC [cULus]; 16A @ 250VAC [cULus, CSA]; 1/4HP @ 125/250VAC [CSA]; 3/4HP @ 125/250VAC [cULus]; Option C: 15A @ 125VAC [cULus] OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 65°C [cULus, CSA]; -20°C to 105°C [cULus] ELECTRICAL LIFE: 10,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 20mΩ Max. @ 1A 5VDC INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. @ 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,000VAC for 1 Minute
ELECTRICAL RATING: Rating Option 3: 10A @ 125VAC [cULus]; Rating Option C: 16A @ 125VAC, 1/3HP [cULus]; 10A @ 250VAC, 1/3HP [cULus] OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 105°C ELECTRICAL LIFE: 10,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 30mΩ Max. INSULATION RESISTANCE: 500MΩ Min. at 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,000VAC for 1 Minute DUST/MOISTURE PROTECTION: IP54 with PVC Cap
ELECTRICAL RATING: Maintained Switches: 20A @ 125VAC [cULus]; 20A @ 250VAC [cULus]; 2HP @ 125/250VAC [cULus]; 18(12)A @ 250V~ 5E4 T85 [European]; Momentary Switches: 20A @ 125VAC T85 [cULus]; 20A @ 250VAC T85 [cULus]; 1.5HP @ 125/250VAC [cULus]; 18(10)A @ 250V~ 5E4 T85 [European] OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 65°C Min. ELECTRICAL LIFE: 6,000 cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 50mΩ Max. INSULATION RESISTANCE: 500MΩ Min. @ 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,500VAC for 1 Minute DUST/MOISTURE PROTECTION: IP55 Standard / MATERIALS / BODY: Polyamide 6/6 ACTUATOR: Polyamide 6/6 MOUNTING EARS: Polyamide 6/6 RUBBER SEAL: Ethylene Propylene CONTACTS: Silver Alloy TERMINALS: Silver Plated Brass
ELECTRICAL RATING: 16(16)A @ 125VAC, 5E4, T85 [cURus]; 1/3HP @ 125VAC, IP66 [cURus] ELECTRICAL LIFE: 50,000 Cycles MECHANICAL LIFE: 50,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: <30mΩ Max. INSULATION RESISTANCE: 500MΩ Min. at 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1000VAC for 1 Minute OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -20°C to +85°C DUST/MOISTURE PROTECTION: IP66 PANEL CUTOUT: 22mm x 30mm FUNCTIONS: DPST, Off-On; DPDT On-On
#1. RB1 Series
The RB1 Series illuminated, power rocker switch has an electrical rating of 20A, 125VAC 1/4 HP T65 (cURus). The actuator on this switch can be curved or flat and comes fully illuminated, dot illuminated or signal light illuminated. The RB1 features an industry standard 11mm x 30mm panel cutout. This LED switch has multiple terminal and actuator marking options, plus an optional cap for an ingress protection rating of IP54. It’s meant for single pole, momentary or maintained functions. Applications for this illuminated, power rocker switch include:
- Commercial appliances
- Industrial controls
- Floor care appliances
- Instrumentation
- Medical/dental
- Electrical housewares
#2. RB5 Series
The RB5 Series rocker switch is designed with high quality for high reliability (IP67 rating). These sealed switches are available with five electrical ratings, while dual Illumination is available in five colors. This switch also features eight marking options. The RB5 Series is meant for front panel mounting in cutouts sized 22mm by 30.2mm. These rockers perform two-pole maintained or momentary functions. Electrical ratings range from 16-20amps and the electrical life is 10,000 cycles. All RB5 rockers are cURus and ENEC15 approved. With its high current ratings, life cycle rating, illumination and ingress protection, this series is ideal for the following industries and markets:
- Floor Care Appliances
- Electrical Housewares
- Medical/Dental
- Industrial Controls
- Commercial Appliances
- Instrumentation
#3. RR8 Series
The RR8 Series round, illuminated power rocker switch is aesthetically designed with a curved actuator that allows for full illumination. This high current switch is rated to handle 16A of 125VAC and 10A of 250VAC, and is rated for 1/3 HP, T105 with multiple agency approvals. These fully illuminated power rocker switches are meant to fit a round panel cutout 20mm in diameter. They accomplish single-pole and double-pole functions and operate in temperatures ranging from -20 to 105°C. Applications for this illuminated power rocker switch include:
- Industrial
- Audio/visual
- Lighting ballast
#4. R1966 Series
The R1966 Series illuminated rocker switch offers several features, many of which offer multiple options, such as circuit function (SPST or SPDT), termination (quick connect, PCB pin, right- and left-angle PCB pin), actuator markings and color choices for the switch housing, actuator and LED. The panel cutout for this LED rocker switch is an industry standard 13mm x 19.2mm rectangle. The R1966 Series LED rocker switch is electrically rated for 15A, 125VAC T65 with cURus agency approval. It’s also rated for 8A, 250VAC with cURus and UR certification. The actuator is curved and comes with multiple lens LED illumination options. Actuator marking is also available, making these custom rocker switches. Applications for this illuminated power rocker switch include:
- Audio/Visual
- Consumer Electronics
- Test/Instrumentation
#5. RR5 Series
The RR5 Series round, high current rocker switch is aesthetically designed with a curved actuator and is rated to handle high currents up to 20A of 125VAC, with UL and cURus approvals. It can also handle 12A of 250VAC. The RR5 Series is a single-pole power rocker switch capable of performing various functions and features a short body for low clearance applications. It’s meant for a panel mount cutout sized 20mm in diameter. Possible applications for this high current rocker switch include:
- Industrial
- Audio/visual
- Lighting ballast
#6. 400B Series
The 400B Series subminiature, sealed rocker switch features include a low profile for surface mount applications, an ergonomic design for human interface and a right angle design strengthening support to the PC board. This switch has an IP67 rating and is totally protected against dust and temporary immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. The 400B Series comes with silver contacts electrically rated for up to three amps of 120 VAC and one amp of 250 VAC. They’re expected to perform 50,000 make-and-break cycles at a full electrical load. These sealed rocker switches also operate in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 85°C. Applications for these switches include:
- Instrumentation
- Telecommunications
- Test equipment
- Computer peripherals
- Networking
#7. 300 Series
The 300 Series miniature rocker switch offers a variety of mounting options for both panel mount and PC mount applications. This switch can be panel mounted via quick connect or vertical solder lug. It can also be PC board mounted at a horizontal right angle with or without a bracket, vertically with or without a bracket, and at a vertical right angle with or without a bracket. A snap-in panel mount option is also available. The 300 Series is available with circuits up to four poles, and termination options include PCB pin, quick connect and solder lug. This switch is available with gold or silver contacts capable of handling both alternating or direct currents, with an electrical rating up to 5 amps. If you prefer a paddle actuator, that option is also available. Applications for this miniature rocker switch include:
- Instrumentation
- Test equipment
- Telecommunications
- Networking
#8. RA8 Series
The RA8 Series illuminated power rocker switch has a high electrical rating (up to 16A at 125VAC) with cURus approval. This LED switch is also protected from the elements at a rating of IP54 with an optional cap. The RA8 Series offers multiple actuator color options and full or signal light illumination in multiple LED lens colors. This power rocker switch is meant for 1- or 2-pole, maintained functions and rectangular panel mount cutouts sized 13mm x 19mm. Applications for this power rocker switch include:
- Commercial appliances
- Industrial controls
- Floor care appliances
- Instrumentation
- Medical/dental
- Electrical housewares
#9. RSC Series
The RSC Series high current rocker switch carries electrical ratings of 20A, 125VAC, 1/4 HP T105 with cURus approval. This illuminated switch has a bi-color actuator available either curved or flat. These LED rocker switches also come with either full or signal light illumination. The RSC Series illuminated power rocker switch is available for four popular panel cutout sizes. These switches feature 1-pole circuits and operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 105°C. Applications for this high current rocker switch include:
- Commercial appliances
- Industrial controls
- Floor care appliances
- Instrumentation
- Medical/dental
- Electrical housewares
#10. RA1 Series
The RA1 Series illuminated, power rocker switch has a high electrical rating of 16 amps (with cURus agency approval) and snap in with nine terminal options. The PVC cap provides protection from water and dust at an IP54 rating, and the curved actuators are available in many colors with various marking options, making these custom rocker switches. Full illumination and signal light illumination options are available in various LED lamp voltages and with five lens colors. This LED rocker switch is meant for a panel mount cutout sized 13mm x 19.2mm. Applications for the RA1 Series power rocker switch include:
- Marine
- Transportation
- Industrial
#11. WB2 Series
The WB2 Series high current power rocker switch comes with a curved actuator, has a panel cutout of 22mm x 30mm and an internal dust and water protection seal rated IP55. These heavy duty, power rockers are meant for 2-pole maintained and momentary functions. The WB2 Series high current rocker switch has an electrical rating of 20A,125/250VAC T65/T85 with [cURus] approval. Applications for this rocker switch include:
- Commercial appliances
- Industrial controls
- Floor care appliances
- Instrumentation
- Medical/dental
- Electrical housewares
#12. RBW2 Series
The RBW2 Series illuminated power rocker switch is sealed to an IP66 rating. No rubber boot or PVC cap is needed for this switch. It uses a patented sealing technology (Patent No. US 7,872,205 B2) to provide protection from dust and moisture, all while offering full LED illumination. The RBW2 illuminated rocker switch has an electrical rating of 16(16)A, 125VAC and is [cURus] approved. It is UL approved for up to 1/3 HP. The panel cutout dimensions for this LED rocker switch are 22mm x 30mm. The RBW2 offers a curved, fully illuminated actuator with 1-pole circuits. Applications for this illuminated, sealed rocker switch include:
- Commercial appliances
- Electrical housewares
- Floor care appliances
- Industrial controls
- Medical equipment
- White goods