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What are electrical switches?
The term switches refer to any of a number of electrical components that connect or disconnect an electrical circuit, divert the current from one conductor to another, or interrupt the electrical current in a circuit. Many switches are simply binary devices with an on position and an off position. As simple as this process sounds, there are a vast range of electrical switches out there, each serving a specified task or having been built for specific applications. Pacer understands that electrical switches are an integral part of many systems. That is why we go out of our way to offer some many various styles of switches.
"As simple as this process sounds, there are a vast range of electrical switches out there, each serving a specified task or having been built for specific applications."
When trying to determine which type of switch to use, the first thing to consider is the purpose of the switch you're looking for. Are you looking to change between battery banks? You will likely want to consider battery switches. Are you replacing switches on your dash panel? Then Carling Contura rocker switches is where you should start. Maybe you just want a cover guard for your toggle switch. Then look no further than switch accessories. We’ll cover the basics of each type of electrical switch and help to point you in the right direction.
Carling Contura Rocker Switches
Bat Toggle Switches
Battery Switches
Power Transfer Switches
Switch Accessories
How do switches work?
To be a little more technical, an electrical switch is a type of device that is used to complete a circuit, allowing power to flow to a piece of equipment. Another way to think of it is that they are intended to interrupt the flow of energy to a device. Most switches only have two positions, on, and off. When a switch is turned on, the electrical circuit is completed and power flows to the intended device. This is achieved by the connection of metal plates within the switch body. Remember that every circuit has two main parts, the power, and the load. A switch is used to allow the power to reach the load while regulating the electrical current.
What types of electrical switches are available?
As we stated above, there are a range of electrical switches possible with each being specifically designed to handle a certain application. Below we will take a glance at each of the styles of electrical switches that we carry and go into a little detail as to where you might use them or what makes them advantageous.
Contura rocker switches are a type of electrical switch designed to handle harsh conditions such as vibration, shock, moisture, and more. These are the electrical switches that you will find on boat dash panels or on the dashboard of off-road vehicles. This goes to show just how tough these electrical switches are. There are over thirty different body styles and hundreds of print options and laser-etched options creating literally thousands of combinations.
Bat toggle switches are designed with low-voltage, high-amperage applications in mind. This is why you will commonly find these types of electrical switches in use in racing and marine applications. All our bat toggle electrical switches are rated at 15A/120VAC. They are known for their ease of installation and longevity in harsh conditions. We also carry protective boots to ensure that you get the longest life possible from our bat toggle electrical switches.
Battery switches are a type of electrical switch that has been built around the idea of switching between battery banks and isolating the battery in case of fire. These switches offer such a life-saving function that the ABYC requires a battery switch on any boat over 800 cold cranking amps. Battery switches come in a range of styles from the E-series and M-series, to the HD-series. With multiple installation options, these offer a level of customization you may not get with other types of switches.
Power transfer switches are a type of electrical switch that has been developed for use in the marine industry. They are built to transfer power input from the generator that is onboard your boat to the shore power box at the dock. This saves unneeded usage of your generator and allows you to save it for when you are out on the water. Power transfer switches handle the toughest marine environments out there and are built from rugged, non-corrosive nylon and melamine materials.
What are switch accessories?
Switch accessories are peripheral pieces of equipment that enhance the function of an electrical switch. This can be as simple as a boot that slides over the switch thereby making it more resistant to exposure to moisture and dust. A switch accessory could also be a switch guard that prevents accidental activation of a piece of equipment by requiring two steps in order for activation to be achieved. In this way, switch accessories make life a little easier by helping your electrical switches to perform their functions more easily.
Where are switches implemented?
Rocker switches are one of the most popular styles available for marine usage
Switches are implemented in applications where electrical power needs to be activatable when needed. Each switch type is ideal for a given application based on its design and function. All our switches are ideal for new installations as well as when used as replacement parts. This is why so many turn to Pacer for their electrical switches. If you have faded switches, dead switches, or otherwise damaged switches, then these are the ideal choice for you. All you will need are the proper tools, terminals, and wire.
Where would I use switches on my boat?
Switches are used all across boats in just about every capacity you can imagine. Want to turn on running lights? A switch controls that. What if you need to activate your horn or turn on your depth finder? Well, those are operated by a switch as well. The point is that switches provide a vital function on a marine vessel by allowing you to activate and deactivate equipment as needed. The important part is to be sure you know the type of switch you need as different for a specific task. Remember that different switches perform very different functions and the incorrect type of switch will not give you the results that you are looking for. You can always ask a Pacer expert any swtich-related questions you have.
What industries most commonly use electrical switches?
Nearly every industry uses electrical switches to some extent. Most commonly, you will find the electrical switches that we carry in the automotive, marine, food service, generator manufacturing, automation, and RV industries to name a few. You will find many of these switches in use in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications as well. The bottom line is that these trusted products are so durable, reliable, and efficient that they are employed in a vast range of applications all across the globe.
What makes Pacer the expert on electrical switches?
With over forty years in the marine industry, Pacer has built a name around quality parts, customer service, and trust. We have spent this time mastering our craft. Each product that we carry undergoes a battery of tests to make sure that is of the highest quality. If we will not put it in our own boats, we won’t sell it to you. Pacer is trusted by some of the world's largest boat builders, and for good reason.
*This page was updated on 2/08/2023*