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Choosing the Right Switch Cover

Posted by Pacer on 6th Nov 2019

Choosing the right switch cover

*This Article was published on 11/06/2019 and was updated 9/21/2022*

What are switch covers?     Where would you use them?     What advantages do they offer?

Switch covers are any number of devices that fit over an existing switch to assist in indicating its function and enhance its overall visual appearance. Switch covers come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes in order to meet the needs and designs of just about any boater out there. It’s important to note that we are not referring to switch boots. They are completely different from switch covers. A switch boot is meant to offer protection from the elements and increase the longevity of a switch itself. Contura switch covers are meant for switches that will be accessed often and have been built to handle harsh environmental conditions. We are proud to announce that along with printed switch covers and blank switch covers, we now offer Laser Etched Switch Covers. Choosing the correct switch cover to match both your needs and your design is not always an easy task. Below we will look at what separates the different styles of Contura switch covers and what you need to know to pick the correct one for your project.

Switch covers

What styles does Pacer offer?

Rather than carry every single possible style the world has to offer, Pacer homed in on the most popular and most impressive styles of Contura switch covers available. In this way, we are removing the process of digging through the endless variations and are giving you the best possible options to get your project done. Pacer carries three styles of Contura switch covers to match just about any need. As you will see below, these styles are known as Type II, Type III, and Type V and are chosen for their simplicity and elegance. Seriously, adding or just replacing switch covers is an extremely easy way to quickly enhance the visual appearance of any panel or vessel.

Type II covers

Type II

Type II Contura switch covers are made in a rectangular shape creating a geometric feel. Each switch cover carries raised bumps on the upper and lower sections giving a clean and elegant look to the switch cover itself. Type II Contura switch covers are available in either one lens, two lenses, or no lens. The first lens consists of a large window at the top of the switch cover where a symbol of the switches' function will be printed. In the case of two lenses, the lower lens is a thin bar close to the bottom of the switch cover that can easily be illuminated.

Type III covers

Type III

Type III Contura switch covers are designed with three rows of bars that run across the top and bottom of the switch cover. The bars are recessed into the switch cover body and are meant to convey a modern, yet futuristic look and feel. Type III Contura switch covers are also available in either one lens, two lenses, or no lens. The first lens is a thin bar near the top that can be illuminated to show that the switch is activated. The second lens is very similar to the first although it is located at the lower portion of the Contura switch cover body.

Type V covers

Type V

Type V Contura switch covers are built with symmetrically curved edges giving a more organic, natural feel to the visual presentation. Their surface is built to be smooth and clean further lending to the organic feel. Type V Contura switch covers are also available in either one lens, two lenses, or no lens. The first lens takes the form of an oval and holds the print symbol of the switch's function. The second lens is a narrow but long oval running across the lower portion of the switch cover.

How to quickly and easily replace Contura switch covers.

Removal tool

Now before we get into all the options available and how to pick the right ones, let us look at the proper way to remove, install, and replace existing switch covers. The first thing you will need is the proper tool. Having the right tool makes all the difference and that logic carries over to Contura switch covers. If you use the wrong tools, you run the risk of damaging the switch covers, switch body, or possibly even the panel itself. Pacer offers the perfect tool for replacing Contura switch covers, guaranteeing that you won’t damage the switch cover or the switch body.

Replace switch covers

1.

The first step in replacing a Contura switch cover with the proper tool is to assess the switching action. That is to say that you should make sure that the switch is fully operational before replacing the switch cover. This means inspecting the switch for external damage and testing the switch to see if there is internal damage. This simple step can save you a lot of time and prevent you from having to revisit the job. Otherwise, you may end up making more work for yourself later on.

 

Removal tool in use

2.

Gently slide the actuator removal tool underneath the side of the Contura switch cover that is raised. Depending on how your switch is set up, you may need to try a different side if a breaker is in the way. Once you have the actuator removal tool lined up properly, place your thumb over the top of the current switch cover to hold it in place. Simply push the tool inward until the Contura switch cover pops off. Your thumb will actually prevent the switch cover from flying off as once the tool releases the switch cover it tends to "pop-off" with enough force to travel a few feet.

 

New covers

3.

Make sure to align the Contura switch cover in the correct vertical position so that the text is easily readable. The next step is to simply press down in the center of the switch cover. It should not require too much force to get the Contura switch cover to snap into place. You should hear or feel a simple clicking for each side of the switch cover. You may need to apply pressure to either side where the switch cover pivots. Make sure to replace each Contura switch cover one at a time, otherwise, you may end up losing track of which switch cover goes to which switch.

 

What Switch Cover options are available? How are they different?

Each Contura switch cover comes with a variety of available options including; body style, number of lenses, lens color, body color, and text/symbol print. In this way, you are given the freedom in building the switch you want, to meet your specific needs. Match any style you want easily and quickly by selecting the best-suited options. Below we will cover some of the options available to give you a more clear understanding of how the options themselves affect the final product.

A. Body Color

The biggest aspect of selecting the correct Contura switch cover is knowing what will go best with what you already have. What is going to match your existing panels and equipment in the most natural and visually appealing manner? Once you have decided on Type II, Type III, or Type V body style, the next step is to select the body color. Pacer currently offers black and red as body-color options although we are currently adding white to the lineup.

Switch cover body

B. Number of lenses

Once you have selected the body color you are interested in, whether it be black, white, or red, the next step is to select the number of lenses. This depends heavily upon the switch body you are planning on using. The lenses are meant to be illuminated and can only be illuminated if the switch body has the bulbs pre-installed. A quick look at your rocker switch will indicate the number of lenses. All rocker switches can carry either one lens, two lenses, or no lens.

Lens options

C. Lens Color

The color of the lens plays a large part in the visual appearance of the switch cover especially if your switches are going to be illuminated. The main colors Pacer implements for lenses are red and blue although we are in the process of added white lenses to our lineup. We know that having the best options available gives you access to the best solutions and that’s why we work to add the best options possible. *Please note: you are not able to add red lenses to red body Contura switch covers or white lenses to white body Contura switch covers.

Lens colors

D. How many print options are there?

There is a wide range of functions, options, and equipment on boats that require activation and deactivation. For each of these, there is a function symbol and text that can be printed to a Contura switch cover. The symbol will always adorn the top of the Contura switch cover although whether it is on a lens or not depends on the Contura switch cover body style.

Switch breakdown

Currently, we offer hundreds of switch cover print options and are currently adding more to our lineup. Finding the switch cover print you’re looking for is easier than ever as we have separated each Contura switch cover by the function it represents.

What about Laser Etched Switch Covers?

Laser etched covers

Laser-etched switch covers are our newest addition to the switch cover lineup. They offer an unbeatable precise appearance that simply has to be seen to be believed. Laser-etched switch covers are available in 225 different options meaning that you can find the exact style you are looking for.  

To learn more about laser etched switch covers, you can read our article here.

To see them for yourself, simply click here.

switch cover diagram

What are some of the most common ISO symbols?

With hundreds of options available, it makes sense that some are more likely to appear than others and that some may be relatively obscure. It is by offering all of the options we possibly can that we give you the most freedom in designing your solution. Below you will see what we consider to be the most commonly used Contura switch cover print options. Click on the image below to be taken to the correct product page.

Bilge

Accessory

Horn

Nav Anc

Navigation

Courtesy

Cockpit

Fresh water

How do I find the Contura switch cover I’m looking for?

As stated above, we have separated each Contura switch cover by the function it represents. This means that we have placed all the pump-related switch covers into a category for pump switch covers. The same has been done with the bilge, lights, vents, hatch, engine, and more. In this way, we have made finding the correct switch cover that you are looking for a simple task. By streamlining the process, we have made it more convenient, saving you time and money. Take a look below at the categories to find what you need.

Printed switch covers

If you are looking for custom Contura switch covers without print, then look no further. Below you will find our blank switch covers.

Blank switch covers

Understanding the logic behind Contura switch covers and knowing what options are available gives you the tools you need to select the correct switch cover for your project. Remember, just because you do not see the exact combination, you’re looking for here doesn’t mean we don’t offer it. Contact a Pacer expert today and see what we can do to get the Contura switch covers you need to get the project done.

Switch cover diagram