Actuator switches are a type of mechanical component found on a switch that are used to manually turn a circuit on and off.
What are actuator switches used for?
In electronic engineering, actuators are a subdivision of current transducers They transform an input signal (mainly an electrical signal) into some form of motion. Some examples of where actuator switches can be used include: electric motors, comb drives, hydraulic cylinders, stepper motors and screw jacks.
Types of actuator switches
Rocker switches
There are two main types of rocker switches, momentary and non-momentary. Momentary switches require the user to hold down the switch in order to maintain the connection while non-momentary require the user to press the switch once to start and once to stop.
Visi-Rocker switches
A Visi-Rocker is a double injection curved type of rocker actuator. Visi-rocker switches are ideal for using with lighting because they allow for a vivid, unlighted indication of an on/off status.