There are many types of toggle switches. There are single pole single throw (SPST), double pole double throw (DPDT), momentary, on/off, rocker, and lighted minis. To add to the list, there are 2 blade, 3 blade, 4 blade, and 6 blade terminals on the back of the toggles.
So what kind of toggles do I need for my layout, and why do I need them?
Toggle switch jobs are to (I just want to keep this simple) stop or start an electrical circuit.
Though there are many different types of toggles, they all perform the same basic function. Which toggle you choose to use will depend on the job you need done and a little bit of preference.
If you want a toggle for an on/off function, you wouldn’t want to choose a momentary toggle; on the other hand, you wouldn’t choose a simple on/off toggle to handle an on/on toggle.
Knowing what you are going to use the toggle for will help you decide which type of toggle you need. Your preference comes into play if you want a standard size toggle or a mini size and also if you want a lighted toggle.
I am going to go through some basic toggle functions that you could possibly run into on your layout.
On/off toggle:
This is your basic single pole, single throw (SPST or STSP) toggle. Like its name, this switch has only one function: either to turn on power or turn off power. Using it on your layout is most likely on a siding you don’t want powered when not in use, controlling building and street lighting, or, if you’re like me, you like to be able to shut down power from your panel instead of unplugging it from the wall.
Double throw-double pole (DPDT):
This toggle has three positions: up is on, bottom is off, and middle-top and bottom are off. Bottom on, top off. You would want to use this toggle if you have a return track and are changing the polarity of the track. You can also use this switch for a turntable that you want to reverse the motor. Basically, this type of toggle lets you switch from one power source to another or reverse a motor.
Momentary on:
This toggle switch is a common toggle for turnouts, especially for those of you that have snap switches. By pushing the toggle up, you engage the turnout. There is a spring in the toggle that will return it to the middle position, so all you need to do is push it up and release. It works the other way too. By pushing down and releasing again, it will activate the turnout. You do not want to hold this toggle in the up or down position for more than a second or two, as you will cause the motor you are powering to overheat and burn out.
Momentary off:
This toggle works in the opposite manner of momentary on. By pressing and releasing, you are shutting power off for just a second. The only reason I can think of for using this toggle is for uncoupling functions. Frankly, there are much better ways to do this than with this toggle.
These are the basic toggles you would most likely use on your layout.
Toggles also have different voltages that they can handle; however, you should just stay with a 12V-rated toggle.
Mini toggles come in the same types as mentioned above, and you can also get them in a 12V rating.
Mini toggles are just that; they are about half the size of a standard toggle. These are really nice to use on smaller control panels where you don’t have a lot of room for the standard size. On my layout, I use the regular size for the main power, and everything else I use the minis. I just think they look nicer because of their smaller size, and you can also get more for the same price as half of the standard toggles.
As far as lighted toggles go, they are nice, but there is really no use for them in model railroading unless you just like things to light up. Otherwise, it is an added expense to the budget that really doesn’t justify the cost.
How to wire these different types of toggles is a topic for another post.
Until next time,
Happy Railroading!