Bat Toggle Switches

What are bat toggle switches

Bat toggle switches are a type of electrical switch that are named for their extra-long baseball bat-shaped handle. This extra-long handle is designed for easy actuation. Commonly, bat toggle switches are built to be used in low-voltage, high-amperage applications. These applications include such activities as racing, marine, and off-road usage. Bat toggle switches are the perfect choice when you need a simple power switch on your boat. To make them even better, bat toggle switches are also available in more complex variations to handle a variety of applications. All the bat toggle switches that Pacer carries are rated at 15A/120VAC. One question that we receive relates to the difference between different types of bat toggle switches.

"Bat toggle switches are built to be used in low-voltage, high amperage applications"

What is the difference between the different types of bat toggle switches?

Although these switches look similar from the outside, they are very different internally. The main differences are standard switching or momentary switching and whether you want a single pole or double pole. What do we mean by standard switching or momentary switching? Standard switching is where the switch stays in the position you place it. Think of a light switch in your home. You turn it on or off, and it stays there until you change it. That is standard switching. Momentary switching is more like a horn. You press it and it activates, but once you release it, the action stops.

What is the difference between a single and double-pole switch? The difference between a single and a double is the number of power in/power out tabs on the back of the switch. This means that a single-pole switch can connect one circuit, whereas a double-pole switch can connect two circuits. So, in essence, a double-pole switch can control two pieces of equipment, and a single-pole can control one.

Why would I need a double-pole toggle switch instead of a single-pole toggle switch?

As we stated above, a double-pole bat toggle switch is designed to handle two circuits and, as such, two pieces of equipment. So, if you needed to control two pumps with a single switch, then a double-pole bat toggle switch would be the way to go. So, for example, moving the switch to one position would activate a bilge pump, and the other position would activate a live well pump, with the center position being the off position. This type of switch is best used with two pieces of equipment that you do not activate at the same time. Regardless of the type of switch you choose, there are accessories to enhance them.

What are bat toggle switch accessories?

Bat toggle accessories are items that can enhance the functionality of the toggle switch itself. These accessories include things like protective boots. Available in both black and white, these screw-on boots offer a high level of protection from moisture and dust. We offer these protective boots in black and white in order to accommodate the different needs of customer requests. Another accessory that we offer for bat toggle switches is the switch guard. The guard completely covers the switch handle and must be lifted in order for the switch to be accessed. It allows you to easily protect your electrical system and boat from electrical complications that could arise from accidental activation of specific pieces of equipment.

What kind of compliances do bat toggle switches carry?

All our bat toggle switches maintain UL, CSA, and VDE compliances, showing that they meet or exceed the standards set forth by those governing bodies. Compliances are important as they let you know that a particular product has been built to certain guidelines. Pacer aims to manufacture and carry products that meet or exceed given standards so that you, as the consumer, know that you are getting the highest quality product available.

UL Compliant

CSA Compliant

VDE Compliant

What industries most commonly use toggle switches

Bat toggle switches are extremely common in a wide range of industries, including the marine, food service, generator, industrial controls, and automation industries. This goes to show just how versatile bat toggle switches can be. For these switches to be found in industrial settings and food service tells you a bit about the level of reliability and safety that they offer.

Generator

Marine

Automation

Industrial

Why choose Pacer

Pacer has been in the marine industry for over forty years. In that time, we have built a reputation as a company to trust. With some of the world’s largest boat builders turning to us for their electrical solutions, we have cemented ourselves as an industry leader. All products we carry go through a battery of tests to ensure that they are of the highest caliber possible. If we would not put these parts in our personal boats, we will not sell them to you. When you see Pacer, you know that you have quality.

*This page was updated on 8/05/2025.*

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