aim is to make the switching action easier from the ergonomic point of view:
a rocker switch can be operated by a push action as well as by the conven-
tional £icking action, or by any combination of these movements. The
rocking actuator of the switch is much more closely coupled to the internal
toggling arms, and will snap over at the same rate. For small rocker
switches the external rocker is part of the assembly that bears the moving
contact(s). The actuating rocker is much wider than the lever of a toggle
switch, even a paddle-shaped lever, and results in lower pressure on the
operating ¢nger. This extra width requires a broader switch body, so that
rocker switches often allow space for signal lights. The considerable di¡er-
ence in the shape of the actuator means that bush mounting is not used,
and rocker switches are for the most part ¢xed by lugs that have a snap
action against the mounting panels (Figure 11.5), although a few types use
mounting plates that can be bolted into place.