Rocker or Toggle?

[redsky49]

Is there any substantive advantage of flat rocker-style circuit breakers over the traditional toggle style circuit breakers? Other than perhaps aesthetics?

I have an older distribution panel, and have noted that several of the breakers are "leaking" current when in the off position. Rather than just changing out the old breakers, I am mulling over a modest replacement/renovation project, doing some rewiring along the way.

Any strong opinions?

[redsky49]

Nothing? Nobody has faced this same situation?

[Scott Berg]

We build them both ways.
Purely customer preference to us
Some prefer a lower profile...

[bglad]

You can by guards for the toggle type that prevent inadvertent switching. I haven't seen those for the rocker style. Guards come in handy for circuits such as bilge pumps, water heaters or other appliances that shouldn't be toggled without a little extra thought.

[Captivy]

Originally Posted by Scott Berg

We build them both ways.
Purely customer preference to us
Some prefer a lower profile...

Would it not be more difficult to se if the rocker style has tripped?
(I've only owned toggle style)

[Steel sails]

I just replaced a 24 position 24 v dc and an 8 position 12 v dc with the blue sea 360 series toggles. I think it's easier to see what's on and what's off with the toggle and I agree with the above poster re tripping.
I will say that the rockers have a more modern look to them .
Regards
Paul

[Cheechako]

most rockers speak "cheap" to me. The river boats that were built for the Marine Corps where I used to run the shop excluded the use of breakers... insisted on toggles and fuses in the specs.

[redsky49]

I was thinking that the toggle type might be easier to wire up since the terminals look a bit further apart. No?

[redsky49]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

most rockers speak "cheap" to me. The river boats that were built for the Marine Corps where I used to run the shop excluded the use of breakers... insisted on toggles and fuses in the specs.

Many of the earlier (mid '80's) Catalinas had a made-in-house panelboard that had a "cheap" rocker that was hot glued to the panel. Blue Seas and the other current panel makers appear to be much better quality.

I think breakers used as on-off switches makes a lot of sense, assuming a Carling Switch quality or better breaker. Certainly simpler.

I too am wondering about the clear indication that a switch is in the "on" position. Seems toggles have the advantage in that area? Then again, many of the newer panels have pilot lights to indicate circuit usage.

[mitiempo]

The rocker actuated breakers Blue Seas uses show red to the left side when on and are as easily seen as the toggles are. Wiring distance is the same for toggle and rocker breakers. The indicator lights on their panels are the same with either breaker.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by redsky49

Many of the earlier (mid '80's) Catalinas had a made-in-house panelboard that had a "cheap" rocker that was hot glued to the panel. Blue Seas and the other current panel makers appear to be much better quality.

Up to 1988 Catalina used "paddle switches" and then switched to breakers. hey were not hot glued, they were "click on" with plastic tabs. The switches themselves are still being made and used. The switches were used with inline fuses in the panels. Yup, could be better quality and better quality is being made today. Mine still work just fine.

[Cheechako]

I've always had breakers for most things. The old toggle and fuse make a lot of sense cost and simpicity wise though. A fuse blows it's easy to replace, a breaker goes bad.. not so much so... Seems I remember something about ABYC not allowing a breaker to be used as the only switch..? (although many mfr's do it) have I got that wrong?

[mitiempo]

ABYC allows breakers to be used as switches.

[FlyingCloud1937]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

ABYC allows breakers to be used as switches.

Only if they are by design switching breakers.

Not all breakers are by design switching breakers.

Lloyd

[mitiempo]

All Blue Seas breakers are switching breakers, as I would guess those from Bass, PanelTronics, Bep and other respected marine electrical companies are.