Rocker switch

nounStandard termElectronics

A mechanical switch with a pivoting actuator that rocks back and forth to open or close a circuit.

An electromechanical switch operated by a hinged button that pivots on a central axis. Pressing one side pushes the internal contacts together to complete a circuit, while pressing the other side lifts them apart. They are widely used on power supplies and appliance panels because their state is immediately visible from a distance.

Heard on the job

Turn off the main rocker switch on the back of the chassis before you swap that board.