Learning how to wire a toggle switch is simple. Using a toggle switch to actuate an electrical application is very common. You are able to hook up anywhere from 1 to 4 different accessories, depending on the configuration of your switch. Here we will wire a SPST (single pull, double throw) and a DPDT (double pull, double throw) toggle switch.
What You’ll Need
Step 1
Start by crimping your wire terminals on the run of wire you’re using for the circuit. In this first example, we’ll be wiring an on-off Toggle Switch (SPST) (PN 73020) with flat terminals. We used a ratchet crimp tool
Step 2
Next, take the wire you’re using for power, and secure it to the center terminal of the switch. In this demonstration, and in most cases, the center terminal is marked with a “2”.
Step 3
Next, take the wires you’re using for your accessory, and secure onto the top terminal on your switch. In this demonstration, and again in most cases, the top terminal is marked with a “1”.
Step 4
Finally, complete your circuit by connecting the other ends of your wire to the appropriate power sources and accessories.
And that’s how you wire toggle switches!
Lastly, while SPST and DPDT switches are what we focused on here, there are still other different type of switch actuations to choose from. Standard configurations include SPST, SPDT, DPST, and DPDT. Here you’ll see the pin set ups for each of these configurations:
To understand the terminal configuration, check out the terminal numbering for our switches:
To learn more about how each of these function, check out our post on single throw and double throw switches.
Get out there and start wiring! Still have questions? Reach out to our Technical Support at 1.800.654.4757 and see more posts on our blog!