By manual operation, toggle switches switch one circuit on and off or switch between two circuits. A distinction is drawn between switching and push-button functions. A switch opens and closes a circuit permanently or switches between two circuits (changeover switch). A push-button, on the other hand, closes the circuit only as long as it is actuated and then returns to the initial position. A distinction is drawn between normally closed, normally open and changeover contacts. Switching on, off or over is done by moving a rocker lever that closes or opens the circuit, not by pressing or turning an actuator, such as a pressure switch or a rotary switch. Thanks to this proven functional principle, toggle switches are extremely durable and robust.
