Toggle switches are actuated by moving a lever back and forth to open or close an electrical circuit. There are two basic types: maintained contact and momentary contact. Maintained contact toggle switches maintain the position to which they are moved or actuated. Momentary toggle switches do not. Both types of toggle switches can use short (.5-in.), ball (<.75-in.), standard (.75-in.), or long (1.5-in) handles. Length or diameter, width, and panel thickness are the most important physical specifications to consider. Maximum current rating, maximum AC voltage rating, maximum DC voltage rating, and maximum power rating are the most common electrical specifications. Terminal types include: feed-through style, solder terminals, screw terminals, quick connect or blade terminals, surface mount technology (SMT), straight PC pins, right angle PC pins, and side PC pins. With regard to materials of construction, most toggle switch bases and toggle switch actuators are made of plastic, thermoplastic, or metal materials. In terms of features, toggle switches may include a pilot light or illumination, imprinted markings, wiping contacts, locking mechanism, time delay, CE certification, CSA certification, or UL listing. Dustproof, weather resistant, and waterproof toggle switches are also available.

