To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Looking for high quality 12vdc rocker switch

M

mroneeyedboh

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2011
Messages
459
So I need a good quality rocker switch for a 12vdc application. It will not be wet, I need an on-off spdt configuration. Utilizing spade crimp connections.

I want a high quality one as it'll be used a lot. The radio shack ones and others just seem so damn cheap!

Anyone know of a source? I attempted to look it up via digi key but there are just too many to dig thru.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
B

bwringer

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 1, 2013
Messages
10,255
Location
Indianapolis
Basically, look for a name brand like NTE, Cole-Hersee, Hubbell, NKK, etc. Avoid the generic Chinese shite. There are some made in the US, too, if you're looking for that.

For example:
http://www.parts-express.com/cat/rocker-switches/1574
You can filter by brand on the left.

West Marine is stupid expensive, but these are some very nice switches:
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/cole-hersee--rocker-switches--P009_275_001_007
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/cole-hersee--narrow-body-illuminated-rocker-switches--P005369723

Blue Sea:
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/blue-sea-systems--waterproof-contura-switches--P002414217

Waterproof -- although you don't need that feature, these are very nice high-end boat stuff:
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/cole-hersee--contura-rocker-switches-12v--P015712748


These guys generally sell very high quality stuff, but they don't identify the brand or origin of their switches:
http://www.wiringproducts.com/rocker-switches

You can also peruse manufacturer catalogs to come up with a part number to look for on Mouser, Digikey, Amazon, etc.
http://www.nteinc.com/switches.php?a=26
http://www.colehersee.com/home/rocker_switches


Lots of good choices on Zoro.com, and they tell you the manufacturer.
http://www.zoro.com/search?q=rocker+switches

McMaster-Carr never tells you who the manufacturer is, which makes me crazy...
 
Last edited:
OP
M

mroneeyedboh

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2011
Messages
459
Damn. Lol thanks guys. The load, I'd say 20a max. I'll measure it, but ideally I'd like to overrate it a bit for a bit more security
 
N

nine4gmc

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2012
Messages
14,357
Location
Dallas
That's pretty high for 12v, if it's over a few amps, I would recommend a relay for power and the switch to activate it. Also a motor load is different from a lamp load, I have a lot on my mind right now so the actual terminology escapes me but check your numbers and let us know what you find.


Sent from my iThingy using Tapatalk
 
C

Cyberbear

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2013
Messages
1,524
Location
California
I've had good luck on ebay for such items, but you need to know a little about switch quality in order to tell the differences. I agree that staying away from Asian stuff will be best for durability, and you usually get what you pay for, most of the time. If your amperage is above or near to 30, I'd go the separate DC contactor route for reliability.
 
B

Buckgnarly

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
7,651
Location
VT
Mil-spec stuff on Ebay...you can get surplus switches pretty cheap and some of it is really good quality.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom