Rocker Switch vs Toggle Switch: Which Should You Use?

26 Jan.,2024

 

In this article, I will be discussing rocker switches vs toggle switches. Rocker switches are one of the most popular switch types on the market today and can be used in a variety of applications. They have been around for decades and their popularity continues to grow as new designs come out. In this article, we will discuss rockers vs toggles and what they’re best suited for!

Rocker Switch vs Toggle Switch

You will need to make a decision when you renovate or update your home. You can choose the finish and also the style of switch. There are many finishes and styles of switches to choose from, like brushed chrome, polished chrome, white, black nickel or brass.

The rocker switch is the perfect option for low traffic areas where you don’t want to clean often. It has a sleek design that makes it easy to fit into your home décor and rockers are less bulky than toggle switches which work well in tight spaces, but might not be as aesthetically pleasing. The rocker switch also works better with dimmer lights since they can slide up or down easier than toggles!

Rocker switches are best suited for lower activity rooms like garages, basements, bedrooms, etc. If you have pets or children who tend to play around the house then the rocker style of switch might be more preferable because there were any issues with them malfunctioning.

The toggle switch is a great option for rooms where there isn’t much traffic and you don’t want to worry about needing extra space on your wall or having it look bulky. The rockers tend to wear down over time, so the durability of the toggle may be better depending on how often they are used!

If you have low traffic areas with dimmer lights then rocker switches will work best as long as they aren’t in places that get dirty regularly like kitchens or bathrooms! Toggle switches can also work well if cleanliness isn’t your top priority, but keep in mind that rockers might suit those needs better due to their sleek design and ability to slide up and down easier than toggles!

Are Toggle Switches Better?

Toggle Switch Advantages

1: These switches control electricity well. They are not much different from rocker switches. Some people like toggle light switches more than rocker light switches. They usually cost more, but sometimes they can be cheaper because they are standard for homes. Toggle light switches make a loud clicking sound when you activate them, and that is different than rocker lights which do not make any noise when activated.

2: Toggle switches use less electricity than rocker switches. They are not usually much different in efficiency, but it is good to be energy efficient because of the environment and money.

Toggle Switch Disadvantages

1: One of the disadvantages of toggle switches are that they tend to be larger and bulkier than rocker switches. They are not very popular in today’s market due to the rockers being more compact and sleek!

2: In general, there are more rocker switches than there are toggle switches. Rockers work like this: 20 amp and 45 amp rockers are popular for many reasons. But you can also find other types of rockers too! That is why it is hard to find the right one in general.

3: Toggle switches and rocker switches are different. Rocker switches are more universal because they go well with many different types of homes. But toggle switches look more traditional so you might not want to use them. They come in many different finishes, but the most common is plastic. Metal is said to make the switch style look its best. Others say white plastic switches are retro. But they are cheaper than other metals like chrome, brass, and nickel.

Confused When Choosing Where Light Should Be? Anyone can improve their lit spaces with our simplified online lighting design course that uses the 5 key ingredients of interior lighting to quickly equip you to create wonderful interiors.

Click Here to Learn More

Lighting Design Course #1

Are Rocker Switches Better?

Rocker Switch Advantages

1: Rocker switches are good because they have icons that you can change the pictures on. They help us know what the switch does better. Plus, when you choose them to match the room, it makes them better.

2: If you are a fan of backlighting, this is one reason why you should buy rocker switches. They also have backlighting on the switch that can show what the switch does or provide extra light.

Rocker Switch Disadvantages

1: One downside to rocker light switches is that dust can build up under the switch over time. If it does, the rocker switch may not work at all. Before you install a rocker switch, make sure that you seal the operator interface. There are some downsides to using a rocker light switch, but people also view it as being more sensitive than other types of switches.

2: Rocker switches move back and forth. They need a lot of space. When you put them in a room, the light will turn on in a different way depending on what the switch is doing. There are no ON or OFF buttons on these switches, but they usually have pictures that show what they do instead.

3: Some people say these light switches are only good in small spaces—like a car. They would not work well in a bigger space.

The 5 Considerations When Choosing Your Switch

What are some of the considerations when choosing your switch? Which switch suits my build? Here are the factors that should go into your descision making:

1: Wiring & Functionality

When you are choosing a switch, think about if you want it to be a dimmer or a rocker switch. Rocker switches and toggle switches work the same way. They both control electricity in the same way and they both fit in the same back boxes. If you need to replace your switches later on, then you can just change them out instead of changing everything out.

2: Operation

Both rocker and toggle switches work the same way. They both turn on and off. Toggle switches will make a louder click when you turn it on or off, but they operate in the same way as rocker switches do.

3: Cost

Both switches can control energy. A switch is just a way to turn on and off the power. There are two types of switches: traditional and rocker. The price will depend on the type of switch that you choose.

4: Style

Rocker switches are used in new construction that is more expensive. They are also more desirable for people who want a modern look. Traditional switches are used in cheaper new homes. The traditional switch has become less popular but still the most popular option for period or historic renovations. Decorative plates are available for both types of switches and cost less for traditional switches.

5: Appearance

The difference between a traditional switch and a rocker switch is that the visible part of the rocker switch is much larger and broader. Traditional switches go out from the wall more than rockers do. Rockers are easy to clean because they are shaped like that, but if you turn on and off lights while you clean, it’s ok if it’s not white or off-white. They often have more colors than traditional switches: white, off-white, and other colors too.

Can You Replace a Toggle Switch With a Rocker Switch?

If you want to replace a toggle switch with a rocker switch, you will also need to replace the mounting yoke and faceplate too.

Will Rocker Light Switches Increase The Value Of My Home?

Do you want to sell your house? If so, you should replace the light switches. You can change them for ones that are easier to use. I mean, installing these new ones is easy and it won’t cost much either. So if you want to sell your house, this will help.

How To Remove an Old Cover Plate?

First, take off the screws on the cover. Next, pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver. Be careful to not touch any wires inside the electrical box. After you have done this, use a non-contact voltage tester to see if there is power in the box. If there is power in the box, go back to your service panel and turn off that breaker that has power running through it. Then test again for electricity.

Andrew Orange, the owner of Orange Lighting qualified and worked as an interior designer in 1993 before specialising in lighting working on high profile projects based in London. Since starting Orange Lighting Ltd in 2003 he has been sharing his knowledge and unique teaching style mostly to his designer clients, offering practical real life advice born from running a busy consultancy and lighting supply business. Launching in 2020, his blog has evolved into Quick & Easy Lighting, curating some 25 years design experience into making the lighting choice and design process achievable and easy to understand for all.

If you have any questions on how does a toggle switch work. We will give the professional answers to your questions.