Rocker switches and joysticks are popular actuator control solutions for use cases that require a simple and reliable operation. Besides having an intuitive design that many users find easy to use and install, they also offer versatility in the range of available options and can be discreetly located. Rocker switches can be recessed into a wall or into an enclosure box, making them out-of-sight yet easily accessible. Joysticks offer the benefit of quick access and high visibility for use cases that require regular usage of the actuator controls. In this article, we will cover the details of our rocker switches and joysticks for actuator controls, so you have a better understanding of the variety of actuator control options available for your next application.
Rocker Switch - Momentary/Non-Momentary - 10A
The RC-03 models come in momentary configuration while our RC-01 models are non-momentary rocker switches. Both DPDT rocker switches are rated for 12 VDC at a maximum current draw of 10 A. These rocker switches are ideal for low-cost actuator controls. The connectors included with the blue and red Molex connectors in our AC-17 Wiring Kit are all compatible mechanically with the RC-01 and RC-03 switches.
In momentary mode, the switch must be continuously held in the active position for electric current flow. Once a user releases the switch, the device stops the current flow as the spring-loaded switch automatically returns to the neutral position. Non-momentary mode works like a switch that remains in its last set position until it is changed again, regardless of whether it is being pressed. This means that once activated, the current flow continues until the switch is manually turned off or the actuator reaches its built-in limit switches.
Simply click the button to access the wiring diagram for our RC-03 and RC-01.
Rocker Switch - Momentary/Non-Momentary - 20A - IP68
Similarly, our RC-10 models come in momentary configuration while our RC-11 models are non-momentary rocker switches. The connectors included with the blue and red Molex connectors in our AC-17 Wiring Kit are also compatible mechanically with the RC-10 and RC-11 switches, however, please note the 18 AWG wires included in the AC-17 are rated to handle current up to 12 A.
What makes these DPDT switches unique is their LEDs and robust design rated to handle 12 VDC at a current draw of 20 A combined with the waterproof high ingress protection rating of IP68. Both these switches come with a built-in red LED that can be wired to a few different configurations according to the user’s preferences:
- Square LED (Always On): GND to Pin 7, 12 VDC to Pin 3
- Square & Strip LED (On when rocker switch engaged): GND to Pin 7, 12 VDC to Pin 2
Check out the wiring diagram and video demonstration of our LED Rocker Switches.
Joystick - Two Direction - Momentary - Ball Top - 10A
Our RC-09 joystick gives complete extension and retraction control of a single 12 VDC linear actuator that draws up to 10 A of current. Simply push the joystick one way to extend and push it in the opposite direction to retract. This joystick offers high visibility and ergonomic operation with its ball top and an intuitive interface for actuator controls. Screw terminals as their connection type allow for versatile compatibility and easy installation. Please be aware that you may require relays for DPDT access to actuator controls as this joystick’s circuitry consists of 2x SPST controls.
View the wiring diagram for 2-way styled Joysticks.
Joystick - Four Direction - Momentary - Bat Top - 10A
Our RC-15 joystick allows for individual extension and retraction control of up to 2x 12 VDC electric linear actuators that draw up to 10 A of current each. Retract and extend one actuator in the horizontal direction of the joystick and a second in the vertical direction. This joystick offers high visibility and ergonomic operation with its bat top and an intuitive interface for actuator controls. Screw terminals as their connection type allow for versatile compatibility and easy installation. Please be aware that you may require relays for DPDT access to actuator controls as this joystick’s circuitry consists of 4x SPST controls.
Explore the links below to view the wiring diagram for 4 way styled Joysticks controls with 2 x DPDT relays and 4 x SPDT relays:
2 x DPDT relays 4 x SPDT relays
Joystick - Two Direction - Momentary - Bat Top - 10A
Our RC-14 joystick gives complete extension and retraction control of a single 12 VDC linear actuator that draws up to 10 A of current. Simply push the joystick one way to extend and push it in the opposite direction to retract. This joystick offers high visibility and ergonomic operation with its bat top and an intuitive interface for actuator controls. Screw terminals as their connection type allow for versatile compatibility and easy installation. Please be aware that you may require relays for DPDT access to actuator controls as this joystick’s circuitry consists of 2x SPST controls.
Check out the link below for the wiring diagram of 2 way styled Joysticks.
Rocker Switch - Momentary - 20A - Attached Wires
The RC-12 rocker switch comes pre-wired with attached wires for easy installation to your power source and electric linear actuator. This DPDT switch is spring-loaded for the momentary controls of pressing the switch one way to extend and the other to retract while releasing the switch will spring it back to its neutral “off” position. An ingress protection rating of IP54 allows for the switch to handle some dust and water, however, we suggest adding enclosures or additional protection when using this switch outdoors.
For reference to the wiring diagram of our RC-12, check out the link below:
Rocker Switch Momentary - Attached Wires for PA-25, PA-40
The PA-25 and PA-40 control boxes come with wireless actuator controls through their included remotes, however, our RC-13 mini rocker switches allow for the option to have wired controls. As an SPDT rocker switch, the RC-13 can also be used in other 12 VDC circuitry up to a maximum current draw of 10 A. Being a momentary style switch, it comes spring-loaded for an intuitive interface towards actuator controls. It has a middle pin as COM for the white wire lead to connect to while the two blue wires connect to the two side pins.
IN SUMMARY
Having rocker switches and joysticks as actuator controls allows users to have an intuitive interface and an easy installation process. Applications that require a robust design also benefit from their reliable operation in heavy-duty use, operating with long-lasting components and fewer parts for fewer failures over the years.
We hope you found this as informative and interesting as we did, especially if you were looking for rocker switch and joystick actuator controls for your next project. If you have any queries or wish to discuss our products further, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are experts in what we do and will be happy to assist however we can.
sales@progressiveautomations.com | 1-800-676-6123
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