This section provides an overview for rocker switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 43 rocker switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked rocker switch companies as of November, 2024: 1.Tecnomatic Italia, 2.Yueqing Aibeiken Electric CO.,Ltd, 3.C&K Components, Inc..
Table of Contents
Rocker Switches are a type of manual switching device. Rocker switches are used to switch electrical circuits on and off by means of seesaw-like motion buttons.
Rocker switches can also be found in the home. For example, they are light switches or power buttons on devices that have a "0" and a "-" on both ends. They are used in a wide variety of equipment and facilities because of their simple construction.
Rocker switches are characterized by the click sound they make when operated, and the fact that they are clearly distinguishable between on and off, which reduces the possibility of accidental operation.
Rocker Switches are widely used as manually operated switches. Most of the switches we see and operate in our daily lives are rocker switches.
Specific examples of rocker switch applications include:
Rocker switches are used as operation switches for all kinds of products because of their simple structure and intuitive on/off operation.
However, there are many types of rocker switches. Each switch has different characteristics, such as operating voltage, durability, and water resistance.
Therefore, it is necessary to select the appropriate rocker switch for the intended use and operating environment.
The structure of a rocker switch is simple. The main components of a rocker switch are an operating button that moves like a seesaw, a sealing rubber, a spring, a fixed contact point, a movable contact point, and two connection terminals.
The operating button of the rocker switch is joined to the spring inside. In addition, between the switches operating button and the spring is a sealing rubber. The purpose of the sealing rubber is to protect the contact points from water, dust, and other substances that could affect the operation.
The spring of a rocker switch is bowed. The spring is connected to the operating button and the movable contacts.
When the switch is switched on, the movable contact side of the arched spring moves to press against the fixed contact side, and when the contacts make contact with each other, an electric current flows.
When the rocker switch is switched off, the bow-shaped spring moves so that the movable contact is pulled away from the stationary contact, stopping the flow of current. The advantage of this action is that it prevents the contacts from welding to each other as they are pulled apart.
The terms momentary and alternate are used for push-button switches such as rocker switches. These have different meanings in terms of how the switch moves when pressed.
Momentary Rocker Switches switch the electrical circuit only as long as it is pressed, and the contacts return to their original position when the hand is released. For example, the button that turns on the hot water in a kettle is a momentary type.
Momentary rocker switches function only while the button is depressed, and return to their original function when the button is removed from the hand.
Alternate Rocker Switches switch the electrical circuit when the switch is pressed, and the contacts are held until the switch is pressed again. For example, a switch that turns on the lights in a room is an alternate type.
An alternate rocker switch switches between ON and OFF each time the button is pressed.
Rocker switches are simple in construction, but care must be taken in their selection. When selecting a rocker switch, it is necessary to consider the current and voltage supported, the resistance of the switch itself, its size, and its durability in relation to temperature and operating environment. Especially important to know is the number of rocker switch terminals and the method of connection.
Connecting rocker switches is easy if you simply turn them on and off. If it has two terminals, connect one to the power supply and the other to the device. If the rocker switch has three terminals, connect one to the power supply and one of the remaining two to the device. It is common practice to check the continuity of the circuit with a tester before connecting the terminals to distinguish between the terminals for the power supply and the terminals on the contact side.
Some rocker switches have four or more terminals. This is the case when a light bulb for lighting is built inside the rocker switch. The breakdown of the terminals is a circuit that feeds power to the device and a power ground for the bulb.
To connect a rocker switch with four terminals, connect the power supply to two terminals for a rocker switch with built-in lighting, connect one to the device, and then connect the ground wire for the lighting inside the rocker switch. Of course, note that the internal circuitry varies depending on the rocker switch used.
Check the electrical circuit in the instruction manual that comes with the rocker switch or use a circuit tester to check the continuity of the internal circuit before making wiring connections. If wiring connections are made blindly, the switch may not operate as expected, and in the worst case, the rocker switch or equipment may be damaged.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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OTTO Engineering Inc., established in 1961 in Carpentersville, Illinois, USA, is a manufacturer of a full line of control switches used in industry. The company's products include electromechanical switches, capacitor switches, and joysticks. These products are used in industrial applications that include factory equipment, excavation equipment, and material handling machinery. The company serves original equipment manufacturers with design, build, and debugging services for stamping tools in markets that include excavation, military, and medical support crews.
C&K is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and was established in 1928 as a manufacturer of electromechanical switches. The company designs various Push buttons, Toggles, Navigational, Slides, and Rotary switches, along with Smart Card Connectors that are used in vending machines, digital satellite receivers, and other equipment. C&K switches serve a huge market of consumer electronics, transportation, aerospace, and medical to name a few. The High Reliability connectors are also produced to cope with applications that have extreme operating conditions such as space, military, automotive, etc
Honeywell International Inc. was founded in 1885 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Honeywell is a diversified technology and manufacturing company to global customers in many industries such as aerospace, building technologies, performance materials, manufacturing, and safety. Honeywell produces hardware and software solutions for each industry it serves. In building technologies, Honeywell designs access controls, electrical and wiring, fire life safety, and employee training services. In aerospace, Honeywell designs cockpit systems and displays, engines, cabin management and cleaning, and health and usage monitoring.
E-Switch, established in 1979 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a manufacturer and supplier of electromechanical switches. Their diverse product range includes pushbuttons, rocker switches, toggle switches, and safety switches. These are available in various types, such as momentary, latching, and illuminated, offering variable control options for appliances, industrial equipment, and medical devices. Additionally, E-Switch provides safety switches like emergency stop switches and door interlock switches to ensure the protection of individuals and equipment in industrial settings. E-Switch offers custom-designed switches, serving a wide range of industries, including appliances, industrial equipment, medical devices, and transportation.
Adam Tech USA is an American manufacturer of electronic interconnects, cable assemblies, and custom components established in 1987 and headquartered in Union, New Jersey. The company produces electromechanical components including various switches, and custom components such as magnetic pogo pin cable assemblies and fiber optic adapters. It also offers standard as well as custom cable assemblies for unique client projects. The company operates internationally, with subsidiaries and branch offices in Germany, Taiwan, and Brazil.
Grayhill, founded in 1943 with headquarters in the USA, is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of principle switch interface products, PC-based control systems, and industrial wireless data communication devices. The company's products include board-level DIP switches, tactile switches, keypads, custom keyboards, and miniature enclosed rotary switches for original equipment manufacturers in the healthcare, military, and off-highway markets. Grayhill offers standard products, tailored products, and tailored assemblies. The company also holds AS9100D and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, as well as the SAE AS9100 Revision D Quality Management System (QMS) for defense organizations.
Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., founded in Melville, New York, in 1906 is a manufacturer of electrical wiring devices, security and home automation and commercial data infrastructure products. The company's product portfolio includes Circuit Breakers, Smart Circuit Breakers, Covers and Doors, Smart Dimmer Switches and Fan Speed Controller. the company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
CIT Relay & Switch is based in Rogers, Minnesota, and is a manufacturer of RoHS-compliant electromechanical relays and switches with the ability to offer integrated solutions for individual customers’ design needs. CIT’s relays are commonly used in automobiles and low-voltage operations. CIT’s switch catalog includes varieties such as surface mount, panel mount, tactile, pushbutton, and more. CIT has a lab for a new design, validation product testing, IQC, failure analysis, and material testing. IQC ensures documented reliability by testing contact material, resistance, dielectric strength, and other parameters. CIT also provides engineering and application support for materials and processes.
Nidec Motor Corporation was founded in 1950 and is a manufacturer and supplier of DC servo motors based in Princeton, Indiana, United States. The company offers various products such as brushless DC, linear actuators, permanent magnet DC stepper, AC synchronous, and AC induction motors. The products have been used in various applications such as vehicle electrification, business machines, medical, factory automation, and projectors. The company has obtained the ISO 9001:2015 certificate, and all of the products are manufactured under RoHS and REACH compliance.
Metro Hydraulic Jack Co. is a third-generation family run business in operation since 1941. MHJ is based in Newark, NJ. MHJ distributes hydraulic jack-related equipment, tools, and parts including a broad range of cylinders, motors, valves, presses, couplings, tools, hydraulic fittings, hoses, jacks, pumps, lifts, lubrication equipment, pallet stackers, scissor lifts, and workholding devices. MHJ also offers system design services as well as engineering services and extensive repair including testing, retrofitting, and overhauling.
Pollak Corporation was established in 1909 as a tool and die shop in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2019, Pollak Joined Standard Motor Products and expanded its product offerings. Today, Pollak provides custom design, test, and manufacturing for automotive, agricultural, construction, and marine-related industries. In the company’s ISO 9001/QS9000 certified facilities, the company advances customer requests from the concept stage through testing, initial production, and all the way to volume production. The company’s existing customers include Ford, General Motors, PACCAR, John Deere, and Caterpillar.
Switronic Industrial Corp. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of precision switches founded in 1986 and based in Taipei, Taiwan. The company produces a wide range of switches for use in consumer electronics, automobiles, and industrial facilities. Its products include limit switches, tactile switches for keyboards, and rotary switches for dimmer lighting controls. The company also offers additional technical support services, and customization options for clients with unique project specifications. Some of its notable clients include Samsung, Nissan, Honeywell.
Zippy Technology Corp., established in 1983 and headquartered in New Taipei, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of micro switches and power supplies. Its product line comprises snap-action micro switches, hook switches, push switches, as well as power supplies, and power supply components. These offerings find extensive applications in consumer electronics, IT peripherals, communication devices, and household appliances. The company holds numerous international certifications, including ISO9001, IATF 16949, ISO14000, and QC080000 certificate. All of its development and production processes are compliant with the ERP IEC62430 and CE standards.
ITW EBA, established in 1970 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of switches, fasteners, dampers, connectors, and IC package solutions. Their products encompass pushbutton switches for equipment control, microswitches for motion detection, dampers regulating airflow, connectors for various applications, and IC package solutions for integrated circuits. As a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), they serve electronics, industrial, and medical sectors and hold ISO 9001:2015, IEC 60947-1, and UL certifications.
Zhongshan Gamder Electric Appliance Co. Ltd., founded in 2017, is a Chinese manufacturer based in Xiaolan, Guangdong, specializing in switch and socket products. Since 2012, the company has offered a range of products under the ART-DNA brand, including the 86-type, 118-type, and European-style switches and sockets. Other products include various lighting products, such as ceiling and floor lights, linear lights, and reflected spotlights. These products are installed in hospitality venues, among others, in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Notably, the company received the Red Dot Award in 2022 for its V23 switch panel.
Johnson Electric, since 1959, is a manufacturer of motors, micro-switches, solenoids, microelectronics, and flexible printed circuits based in Shatin, Hong Kong. Their products include AC motors, automotive switches & subsystems, cargo bikes, EMI-shielded flexible circuits, snap action switches, used in automotive, building automation, digital security, food & beverage, and laboratory equipment. Johnson Electric has been in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark index since 2018. The Hong Council of Social Service awarded it the 5+ caring company award in 2022-2023 and additionally, it is an Institute of Business Ethics supporter.
Yueqing Aibeiken Electric CO.,Ltd, headquartered in Wenzhou, China, has been a manufacturer of electromechanical switches since 2014. The company manufactures anti-vandal switches, rocker switches, power sockets, fuse holders, and pilot lamps. Some of its products have IP65/IP67 waterproof protection that can be used in wet or dusty environments. The company has been delivering products to the medical, electronics, instrumentation, industrial, and consumer markets. It obtained multiple certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, to uphold management systems. By road, air, and sea transportation, it serves North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Shenzhen Yikia Technology Co.,LTD was established in 2013 and is a manufacturer of industrial control button switches based in Longhua, Shenzen, China. The company manufactures various switch products such as metal push button switches, temperature control switch, and 3PDT FOOT guitar switch. These products are used in various applications such as smart wearable products, household appliances, and tire pressure monitoring systems. The company provides various customizations of mounting diameters, shapes, and LED voltages of the products according to customer's request.
Shanghai Yongxing Electronic Switch Co. Ltd., established in 1985, is a manufacturer based in Shanghai, China, specializing in electromechanical switches and connectors. Certified with ISO 9001:2008, the company offers a selection of over 4,000 products, including rocker, rotary, and push button switches. It also provides a range of connecting terminals, indicator lights, and solenoid valves. The company serves various manufacturing sectors, such as electrical appliances, household goods, and medical equipment. It further offers specialized solutions tailored for aerospace, nuclear power, and shipbuilding industries.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, founded in 1915 in Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of switches and sensors. Their product range includes a wide variety of switches and sensors used in automotive and industrial applications, such as automotive sensors, position sensors, and safety switches. ZF's switches and sensors play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of vehicles and industrial machinery. With a rich history of technological expertise and a global existence, ZF is poised to deliver great solutions that meet the highest quality standards and customer requirements.
Emas, founded in 1969 and located in Arnaavutkoy, Turkiye, is a manufacturer of electromechanical, automotive, electrotechnical, and electronic products. The company produces rotatory cam switches, motor protection circuit breakers, control units, level control float switches, and cable carriers. The products have industrial, electronic, automotive, telecommunication, and motor applications. It has also earned the ISO, TSE, TUV Rheinland, Trade Registration, and Intertek Colombia certifications. The company has domestic and international sales points for a wide reach.
WISKA Hoppmann GmbH, founded in 1919, is a German manufacturer headquartered in Kaltenkirchen, Schleswig-Holstein, developing closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems, electrical equipment, and lighting products. The company manufactures cable entries, installation materials, and reefer container sockets under the VARITAIN brand. For lighting solutions, it offers floodlights and luminaires, searchlights, and light-emitting diode (LED) technology. It also provides stainless steel, explosion-proof, and high-definition (HD) digital video surveillance systems. The company primarily serves the shipbuilding and electrical trade sectors.
Marquardt Switches, Inc. is an electrical switches and components manufacturer established in 1981 and based in Cazenovia, New York. It specializes in manufacturing control equipment, lighting components, display systems, and operating units. It also manufactures electric, push button, and membrane switches. The company is a subsidiary of Marquardt Group and has acquired ISO 13485:2016, ISO 14001:2015, and IATF 16949:2016 certifications. In 2022, it received several awards, including the Supplier Excellence Award and the Supplier Quality Excellence Award from General Motors. Its target market covers several regions in the USA, Korea, China, and Japan for automotive, construction, medical, and engineering industries.
Tecnomatic Italia is a manufacturer of electromechanical parts for industrial automation that was founded in 1998 in Vicenza, Veneto, Italy. The company produces components used in automated industrial operations and complete automation systems. These include pneumatic cylinders, actuators for rotary motion, and solenoid valves for fluid pressure and flow control. The company also provides industry specific products and custom solutions for clients with unique projects. Its products are used by customers in the food and beverage, furniture, and packaging sectors.
Ningbo Best Group Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of RoHS certified electronic and acoustic components that was established in 1997 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. The company fuses switches for protecting circuits, programmable buzzers for producing alarm signals, and terminal blocks for connecting wire or cable assemblies. It also offers battery holders and DC motors for converting or providing power, and custom engineering services for unique projects. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the consumer electronics, telecommunications, and automotive industries.
Appleton is a manufacturer of industrial-grade electrical products for hazardous environments that was established in Illinois, USA, in 1903 before becoming a subsidiary of Emerson Electric Co. in 1982. The company’s products include corrosion resistant, explosion proof, and dust ignition proof plugs and receptacles. It also offers lighting products such as LED luminaires and floodlights, motor starters, and junction boxes in metallic as well as non-metallic varieties for protecting electrical devices. The company chiefly serves clients in the oil and gas, industrial processing, and power generation sectors.
Lumex-ITW, founded in 1916 in North America, is a manufacturer of electronic switch components, photonics, LEDs, and LCDs. The company offers a wide range of products that include surface-mount LEDs, through-hole LEDs, LED bulb replacements, color TFT LCDs, and push-button switches. Lumex-ITW offers original equipment manufacturers a wide range of custom production options, including semi-custom, fully custom, and plug-and-play solutions for LED/LCD displays, backlighting, light arrays, and LED indicators. Some examples include customized colors and specific wavelengths in LED indicators and special graphics and colors on LCD displays.
Carling Technologies, founded in 1920 in Connecticut, USA, is a circuit breaker and switch manufacturer. The company specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced switches and control products. Their comprehensive product line comprises of toggle switches, rocker switches, push-button switches, rotary switches, and circuit breakers. These products are crucial for managing electrical systems, keeping operations secure, and regulating power distribution. They are used in various industries, such as automotive, marine, aerospace, industrial, and telecommunications. The company also offers customized, advanced solutions for marine technology, including power regulations for vessels of any size and circuit protection.
Hubbell, incorporated in the late 1800's, and based in Shelton, Connecticut, USA, is a manufacturer of electrical and electronic products. Its comprehensive product range covers standard and specialized wiring devices, rough-in electrical products, connectors, grounding solutions, lighting fixtures, and various electrical equipment for use in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities. These products find application in diverse settings, from controlled data centers to power grids. The company's products address business challenges, improve energy efficiency, enhance safety, withstand harsh environments, and enable easier management of wiring and grounding systems around buildings.
Apem, originally founded as APR in 1952 in France and incorporated as Apem Inc. in 2008, is a global manufacturer of electronic components. The companyThe company offers a wide range of products, including panel switches, PCB switches, LED indicators, joysticks, and industrial controls, catering to clients in various markets such as agricultural machinery, construction machinery, public environment, defense, and healthcare. Apem also provides a fully customized design and production solution to clients from its offices and facilities located in France, Germany, the UK, the USA, and China.
Boltek, based in Bolu, Turkey, is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of rocker and rotary switches with 50,000 cycles and maintains a 3.4ppm defect rate. The company uses an intelligent product coding system to define product specs such as color, series, and technical parameters. The rocker switches are available in single pole, double pole, and 2x single pole and have a glow-wire test of 850°C even though the material used does not burn at 850°C. The rotary switches, whose terminals are made of Brass 6.3 x 0.8mm, have a flame retardancy of UL940 and a temperature rating of 125°C or 150°C.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS was established in Japan in April, 1967 as a specialty manufacturer of electronic components. NIDEC’s offerings have increased to serve the automotive, construction, medical equipment, FA equipment, analytical measuring equipment, and residential security industries. Among the offerings are components for LiDAR, railway pressure sensors, CPAP, dialysis, MRI, and ultrasonography machines, wireless base stations, and power tools. These components include switches, sensors, mirrors, motors, and fans.
Progressive Automations, established in 2008, is based in Richmond, Canada, and is a manufacturer and supplier of linear motion control products. The company specializes in providing a diverse range of electric actuators, lifting columns, and control systems. These products find applications in various industries, including furniture, medical equipment, automotive, and industrial automation. Progressive Automations' solutions increase motion control, automation, and ergonomic design in different settings, resulting in smoother operations and improved user experiences. The company also aims to offer effective and quality products that ensure enhanced efficiency and functionality across industries.
Waytek Inc., founded in 1970 and headquartered in Chanhassen, Minnesota, is a distributor of automotive wire and DC electrical components across North America. The company offers a broad line of products, including circuit breakers, cable ties, and connectors, serving wire harness manufacturers, OEMs, and upfitters. It sources the products from manufacturers such as GEP Power Products, Lovato Electric Inc., and East Penn Manufacturing. In 1980, the company stopped producing wire harnesses and started concentrating on distribution. In 2021, CIT Relay and Switch awarded it the Blast-Off Growth Award for being among the growing distributors of Picker Components products.
Canal Components Inc. is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The company is a distributor of quality electrical and mechanical components to customers worldwide. The company sources from suppliers in China and Taiwan as well as perform in-house production in its ISO 9001-certified factories providing product testing. The company’s product categories include switches, sockets, fuses, and other component parts. The company also has a line of waterproof and washable electronic parts. The company bridges communication between suppliers and customers and encourages inquiries from customers about products.
Molveno Oem Service S.r.l., founded in 1993, is an Italian distributor based in San Lazzaro di Savena, Emilia-Romagna, producing electrical components. Certified with ISO 9001:2025, the company produces a range of electromechanical components, including axial fans, sensors, and switches. It also provides lighting components, such as light-emitting diode (LED) drivers, strips, and modules. It extends its offerings to include over 30,000 custom plastic fasteners, including pipe clips, rivets, and screws. Annually, the company supplies over 15 million products, supporting the manufacturing of household appliances, heating and ventilation systems, and healthcare equipment.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Tecnomatic Italia |
6.0%
|
2 | Yueqing Aibeiken Electric CO.,Ltd |
5.0%
|
3 | C&K Components, Inc. |
5.0%
|
4 | Adam Tech USA |
4.6%
|
5 | Johnson Electric |
4.1%
|
6 | ITW Electronic Business Asia Co., Ltd. |
3.7%
|
7 | Hurst Manufacturing |
3.2%
|
8 | Progressive Automations Inc. |
3.2%
|
9 | Pollak |
3.2%
|
10 | ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
3.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the rocker switch page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 11 | 35.5% |
China | 6 | 19.4% |
Taiwan | 5 | 16.1% |
Germany | 4 | 12.9% |
Italy | 2 | 6.5% |
Hong Kong | 1 | 3.2% |
Turkey | 1 | 3.2% |
Japan | 1 | 3.2% |