In the way of function and installation, toggle switches are fairly simple devices, but even the simplest of devices can be accessorized. You can address everything from safety and installation to protecting electrical toggle switches from water and dust with supplies for toggle switches.

Whether you're using a toggle switch in a marine setting and need to protect it from the elements, or you're looking to safeguard industrial toggle switches to prevent accidental or unauthorized operation of equipment, you'll find what you need when you shop for supplies for toggle switches. When you're ready to buy toggle switches, consider which supplies might best fit your needs:

1. Lock out toggle switches on industrial equipment with safety covers and guards.
2. Protect toggle switches from moisture, water and dust.
3. Complete installation of toggle switches with nuts, screws and even cover plates.

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Prevent accidents or mishaps by safeguarding toggle switches

Some electric toggle switches used for industrial equipment may turn on and off machines best operated by specially-trained personnel, or be used as emergency on/off devices. In this case, it might be beneficial to utilize safety covers and guards for these types of toggle switches.

I recommend: Del City has a spring-loaded safety cover for toggle switches for use in many industrial applications. ESafety Inc. has a MasterLock universal lockout cover for use on many types of switches, including toggle switches.

Keep toggle switches dry and working properly in any environment

Electric toggle switches can be impaired or damaged if exposed to water, moisture or even dust. From providing protection from salt water and moisture in damp environments to keeping toggle switches dust-free in industrial settings, rubber boots and covers for toggle switches will do the trick.

I recommend: Jamestown Distributors supplies waterproof toggle switch boots to protect an electric toggle switch used in marine applications. Find toggle switch rubber covers to keep moisture and dirt from your electrical switches at Ideal Industries.

Maintain an inventory of basic installation supplies for toggle switches

While installing an electrical toggle switch isn't too involved, there are some important parts you'll need, and it might be a good idea to keep some extra toggle switch supplies on hand. Small parts such as hex nuts, screws and indicator plates may be lost or broken and need to be replaced.

I recommend: Learn about toggle switch covers and supplies at Electrical Industries. Waytek has a wide inventory of toggle switch on/off face plates, various types of nuts and mounting plates.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Avoid any down time due to broken or malfunctioning toggle switches by keeping replacement toggle switches on hand in your inventory of supplies.
• •  Dress up your toggle switches by replacing standard handles with lighted paddle handles.

Electric toggle switches come in an almost endless variety for almost endless uses. Wall toggle switches operate lighting and outlets in virtually every home, business and industrial site. Bat handled electrical toggle switches operate machinery and some electronics. Rocker switches almost exclusively operate electronics, though some wall switches are rockers.

When choosing an electrical toggle switch, especially in the case of industrial toggle switches, there is a long list of variables to consider. The main variable of a toggle switch is the amperage rating. Installing a switch with an inadequate rating for the circuit load is a safety issue, while buying a toggle switch with an unnecessarily high rating is seldom cost efficient.

Some guidelines apply to all toggle switch selections:

1. Know your needs in detail before you buy toggle switches.

2. Consult with an electrician if necessary; don’t guess on electrical switches.

3. Be prepared to spend extra money for specialty toggle switch situations.

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Plan ahead and buy toggle switches in bulk

Knowing everything you need before you shop for electric toggle switches can save you money.

I recommend: If you have a big project on your hands, don’t buy a few items at a time. Review your plan and make a list of everything you'll need. This way you can save on shipping, and if your order is large enough you may be able to buy in bulk. One hundred count boxes from Electrical Marketplace translate to a per-unit price that is substantially lower than buying a single toggle switch.

Choose the right toggle switches for your project

Industrial and business settings require more care than home construction.

I recommend: Home construction is fairly standardized and few circuit loads are high. There are fewer variables and moderately priced electric toggle switches will do the job well. Business, and especially industrial settings, require a wider variety of electric toggle switches. At Digi-Key it is easy to select the parameters you are looking for and find the appropriate switch. If you need answers, try Digi-Key Live Help.

Shop the right electric toggle switch provider

Not all providers are the same, so buy toggle switches from sources that are appropriate for your particular needs.

I recommend: Electrical Marketplace is good for home and some business construction, but look to MSC for industrial applications. Their selection is broad, they ship out quickly and their website is relatively easy to use. Grainger is good too. Narrowing things down on their website can be a little difficult, but don’t hesitate to compare prices. In the case that you are looking for rocker switches, then Cherry is an excellent choice.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use a portable meter to test the continuity on expensive toggle switches before replacing them.

For use in many applications from automobiles to industrial machinery, toggle switches are a fairly simple electrical device. Electric toggle switches control the current to power equipment. From basic toggle switches to industrial toggle switches, an electrical toggle switch can be a simple single-pole single-throw (SPST) device, or a more involved double-pole double-throw (DPDT) configuration.

It might help to learn toggle switches basics in order to know what type of electric toggle switch you need for your particular equipment. You'll soon find you can choose anything from an electronic switch to lighted electrical toggle switches. Whether you're in the market to install new electrical switches or are considering adding toggle switches to your current equipment, take some time to review toggle switches basics:

1. Gain an understanding of how toggle switches work.
2. Review the different types of electrical toggle switches.
3. See how toggle switches are installed.
   

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Get inside the inner workings of toggle switches

To understand any type of mechanical or electrical device, it helps to know how that device works. Whether they're being used on amplifiers, automobiles or large industrial machines, the basic function of electrical toggle switches is the same.

I recommend: See detailed drawings and explanations about how basic and double-pole double-throw toggle switches work, and learn the definitions of "pole" and "throw" at Basic Car Audio Electronics. Directron.com explains the various configurations of poles and switch positions for toggle switches.

Realize that toggle switches are not a 'one size fits all' product

Though the function of toggle switches is virtually the same whatever the application, there are different types of toggle switches. Industrial toggle switches with insulated levers and bushings may not be needed when a standard toggle switch will do, or a subminiature toggle switch might not be applicable for military/aeronautics use.

I recommend: View the many types of toggle switches like standard, miniature, subminiature and even lighted at Action-Electronics.com. APEM lists a variety of industrial toggle switches, from those used in military applications to insulated levers and switches specified for outdoor use.

Learn the basic steps of installing a toggle switch

Even if you'll be turning to professionals to install your toggle switches, getting a general idea how they are installed can only help you further understand toggle switches and why and how they are used. From simple, single-pole toggle switches to four-pole configurations, make installation a part of understanding toggle switches basics.

I recommend: Aubuchon Hardware supplies detailed steps and even an animated slide show to illustrate how a single-pole toggle switch is installed. Click on any one of the many toggle switches listed at Carling Technologies to get installation specifics and wiring diagrams.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consult a licensed electrician when installing toggle switches.

Toggle switches are a type of electrical switch that is activated by moving the switch up or down. Toggle switches are used in all forms of industries as everything from a light switch to a machine cut of switches. When looking to replace old switches or stock switches in a retail store, understanding the jargon of the toggle switch manufacturer is key. There are many terms and certifications used when working with toggle switches. Find the meanings of toggle switches key terms to help you to understand the quality and purpose of the switch.

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Dielectric strength

Dielectric strength is the total voltage an insulator can withstand before beginning to break down. The dielectric strength of the toggle switch must be higher than the voltage used for it.

I recommend: Integrated Publishing offers information about how the dielectric strength is documented and measured. The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences provides more about dielectric strength. Visit Dictionary.com for more about dielectric strength.

Insulation resistance

Insulation resistance, or IR, is the amount of resistance the insulation has against leaking through and around the insulation. The higher the IR on a toggle switch, the better quality of switch.

I recommend: Penton Media provides more information about insulation resistance. Learn more from the Cole-Parmer Instrument Company regarding insulation resistance.

UL

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, an organization that analyzes and certifies a product's safety. A product that gains UL certification has been sent through a battery of test and passed all the necessary safety certifications.

I recommend: Learn all about regulations and stipulations at Underwriters Laboratories.

VDE

A VDE certification means that the product has been reviewed and tested by the Association of German Electrical Engineers. If the product passes the rigorous tests, it receives the VDE certification.

I recommend: Visit the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies for more information about VDE. Embedded Computing Design also provides more details about VDE.

CSA

The CSA, or Canadian Standards Association, tests electrical products to make sure that the product is durable and meets Canadian standards. Many toggle switches have multiple certifications with the CSA and UL being the most common.

I recommend: Learn more about CSA certifications at the Canadian Standards Association. Precept Technology also has information about CSA qualifying tests.

CECC

The CECC, or Cenelec Electronic Components Committee, is responsible for testing the International Electrotechnical Commission, which oversees the import and export of electrical products.

I recommend: Visit the Cenelec Electronic Components Committee online to find the standards for the CECC mark. Tecnick.com has more information about all available electric certifications and marks.