A rocker switch is a prevalent type of switch which is quickly replacing all the conventional types of switches, such as toggle switches.
All around the world, people are choosing rocker switches to install in their new homes due to the increased flexibility they provide and their easy-to-use nature.
In this article, I’m going to drop the top 10 picks, in my opinion, for the best rocker switches you can find in the market.
Each of the products was selected after a considerable amount of research, so don’t worry about the quality of any pick and choose whatever you like without any worry.
Let’s get started without any further ado and see which rocker switch is the perfect pick for you.
Top 10 Rocker Switches Reviews
Here are all the top picks for the best rocker switches that I found after going through the options available.
Each of the products is listed with its pros and cons, so you won’t have a hard time choosing what you need.
1. Carling RSCA201-VB-B-9-V Rocker Switch
Coming as the top pick, this rocker switch by Carling is one of the most-liked switches out there.
Having a rating of 20amps, it’s more than enough for all your home needs. The terminal type is SPST, while the operating voltage is around 9 Volts.
If you’re looking for a rocker switch that comes with a fundamental and clean look, you don’t need to look any further since this is an excellent value-for-money choice you have here.
Lastly, it fits perfectly as well, and there’s no wobbling as far as my experience.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy to install
- Perfect fitting
- Affordable
Cons
- It might be too small for some people
2. NTE Electronics 54-645-B Rocker Switch
This rocker switch by NTE Electronics is another very compact-sized switch that comes with a minimalistic design.
It has a small rocker on the top, which you can toggle to control the switch, and it contains an LED colored blue.
The terminals are quick to connect so that you won’t face any problems with the connection, and it’ll be relatively quick.
The circuit is again SPST, as we saw in the previous switch, just like the 20amp rating, which we have also seen before.
The switch is made in Taiwan, and the durability is quite impressive.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Great value for money
- Compact
- Quick connect
- Blue LED
Cons
- Very small
- It might be too snug
3. NSI Industries LLC Rocker Switch
This LLC rocker switch from NSI is an SPST circuit switch with an operating voltage of 125 Volts of AC supply.
A unique and perfect thing about this product is that it comes as UI recognized and CSA certified, so you expect high-quality performance from it while being safe.
The switch color is red, and although the size is quite compact, it’s a bit bigger than the previous switches we saw, so if you skipped them for their sizes, make sure you take a look at this one.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- UI recognized
- CSA certified
- Durable
Cons
- Hole dimensions are confusing
- Instructions aren’t great
4. Gardner Bender GSW-41 Rocker Switch
Gardner Bender GSW-41 is amongst the cheapest options we have here.
Even if you don’t want to buy a switch, the price tag of this product will force you to try this thing out since it provides such a great value for money.
The SPST circuit switch is not only durable but has a decent compact appearance as well. The installation is easy for beginners, and the sheerness of this switch is also great.
So, if you want a necessary black-colored switch at a very affordable price, don’t skip this one.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Very cheap
- Easy to install
- Sheer build
Cons
- Not the most durable
- No light on the switch
5. Dragon Ling Rocker Switch
Coming with a rating of 20 amps, this rocker switch by Dragon Lang is another basic option you could opt for. It can work up to 125 AC supply of voltage.
The best thing about this device is probably the time it takes to install it.
It did not take more than a few minutes for me to replace this switch, and even if you’re a beginner, I’m sure it won’t take you longer than 20 minutes.
It’s an excellent choice for electric fireplaces, but you can use it at other places as well.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Very fast installation
- Great for electric fireplaces
- Supports AC supply
Cons
- A bit too thick
6. Carling Rocker Switch
Here we have yet another product from the same manufacturer that the top pick was from.
You can estimate how consistent Carling is in manufacturing top-quality affordable switches from this. This one is also an SPST switch with straightforward yet decent construction.
The connector type provided here supports quick connect while the current rating is 15amps. It will satisfy most of your needs but make sure to double-check before you install it.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Quick connect terminals
- Can work at 250 Volts
- Fits perfectly
Cons
- No light
7. Gn2u Rocker Switch
If you’re looking for a very mini rocker switch that won’t take up much area but will still do the job just fine, make sure not to miss this one.
It comes as a pack of 20 mini rockers, and each one can work at 120 Volts of AC supply. The switches are all equipped with SPST connectors, while the connector type is solder.
The main applications of these mini rockers range from LED strip lights or equipment such as Arduinos. The build quality is great, and it has a majorly plastic and metal build.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Very compact; great for things like LED strip lights
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to use
Cons
- The title is a bit misleading; there are 15 switches and five connectors
8. IndusTec Wired 20 AMP Rocker
IndusTec is a major company in electrical equipment and has a reputation of delivering top quality. This rocker switch by the company is no different.
Coming with 20amps and 16 amps of rating at 125V and 250V respectively. The build quality is good, and you could expect them to go for a long time.
The switches are toggle, so when you release them, they automatically turn off.
This feature makes them very useful at some places, but they’re not usable in general scenarios where you need to keep a circuit on for a long time.
The only thing I found it lacking was the sheerness. Otherwise, it’s a great piece.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Durable construction
- Toggle control; automatically resets when released
- Comes already wired
Cons
- Poor instructions
- Not so sheer
9. IndusTec Wired Rocker
Coming from the same brand as the previous product, IndusTec, this is a somewhat similar device.
The switch is polarity reversing, and the latch stays in position whenever it is used. The construction again is great here, and you could expect these switches to provide you services for a long time.
Moreover, the switch is quite lightweight, but just like the previous one, it doesn’t feature an LED light or something on its body to reflect its power status.
Even though this is a great switch for the people who need such switches, I don’t think it provides a good value for your money.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Comes pre-wired
- Reverse polarizing
- Latch stays in position
- Very durable
Cons
- Some claim it comes wrongly wired
- Instructions aren’t great
10. Magic&shell Rocker Power Switch
Last but certainly not least, Magic&shell power rockers are amongst the most underrated products I have come across during this review.
They come in packs of either 4 or 5 devices and have a mixed color of red and black. The appearance is quite appealing, and they look better than most of the products we saw above.
The switches are SPST, and they’re normal switches with two power states. Their cute little body is great for small purposes, but they might be a little too compact for some applications.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Great appearance
- Compact size
- Easy to install
Cons
- Pricey
Buyers Guide
Before you move on to finalizing the rocker switch you want, there are first some important points you should know about.
Every person has his own set of requirements and if you don’t know what’s yours, make sure you go through these buyers’ guides, so you know what to look for when buying a rocker switch.
Build Quality
First and foremost, build quality is something you should keep in mind not only for rocker switches but everything you buy.
However, the reason why it has more importance here is that rocker switches are something that you keep touching very frequently, and if the build quality isn’t great, it won’t be long before they begin to fall apart.
So, make sure the construction is nice, and there are no wobbling parts.
Amp Rating
Amp rating should also be kept in mind while buying the rocker switch.
At the same time, most of the switches out there support at least 20 amps, which is more than enough, it’s not always the case.
Always check what level of ampere level you want in your circuit and buy the switch that offers at least 5 amperes more than that rating, to be sure.
Otherwise, if more current were to flow than the switch’s rating, it would melt the switch or even cause a fire!
LED Light
Some switches provide an LED light on top of them to indicate if they’re powered on and off, while some don’t.
Now, it depends upon you if you want a light to know the status or not. I would recommend you go for it since it comes in pretty handy.
The switches with light might be a bit expensive but trust me, the convenience is worth the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we will go through some of the most frequently asked questions by beginners that you might also be interested in. Let’s see.
Are rocker switches better?
Yes, rocker switches are preferred over conventional switches since they’re more comfortable to use.
Do rocker switches go bad?
Yes, like every other switch, a rocker switch could also go bad due to corrosion over time or some other electrical issues.
What is a latching rocker switch?
This is simply the term given to the switches that do not get reset when the user changes their state and releases them.
Rather they stay at the same state until the user changes it again.
Are rocker switches waterproof?
It depends upon the model of the switch. Not all rocker switches out there are waterproof such as the ones that come with an IP65 rating.
What is the difference between a toggle switch and a rocker switch?
A toggle switch mounts to the operator interface from the back, unlike a rocker switch.
What are four types of switches?
The four types of switches are as follows:
- SPST (Single Pole Single throw)
- SPDT (single pole double throw)
- DPST (double pole, single throw)
- DPDT (double pole double throw)
Conclusion
Rocker switches are the new types of switches that are mostly being used in new homes. People prefer them not only because of their appearance but also how easy it is to work with them.
Throughout this article, I mentioned some of the top picks of rocker switches that you can get your hands on.
Each of the products was mentioned and its pros and cons to make it easier for you to pick what you prefer.
Moreover, we saw a buyer’s guide at the end, which could help you select the most suitable type of rocker switch for you depending upon your requirements.
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