BACKLIT – ILLUMINATED ROCKER SWITCHES
Our illuminated rocker switches feature excellent night readability. Laser technology allows the text and symbols on your switches to radiate light where the etching has occurred. Double-lamp switches illuminate the switch label and provide a clear indicator when the switch is on. Sealed and waterproof as always.
From $19.99
– Contura V – Most Popular
– Backlit & Illuminated Rocker Switches
From: $8.99
– Etched Horizontal Contura V Rocker Switches
– Left and Right Orientation Available
From: $12.00
– Design Your Own Custom Cover!
– Multiple Layouts, Your Own Text
From: $44.95
– Quick Order Kits of our Most Common Covers
– Actuator Removal Tool Inlcuded!
From: $6.99
– Carling Switch Bodies Separately
– 80+ options, 7 colors, many functions
New to Illuminated Rocker Switches?
The Benefit – Night Readability
Ink Printed Switches Will Wash Out in the Dark
We have no beef with printed rocker switches. We sell them, they work great and are easy to read in the daytime. But, it is what it is… ink printed over a lens. As the ambient light decreases the ink will always be washed out by the switch lighting.
Etched Switches Illuminate Perfectly at Night
We use laser technology to engrave our illuminated rocker switches… they are not printed with ink. There is no lens, the engraving actually becomes the lens itself. Allowing only what is etched to glow.
The result is spectacular night readability.
The result is spectacular night readability. It is vastly superior to printing when it comes to ability to see the labels in the dark.
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How They Work
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Different Covers – Different Process
We start with a special blank Contura V style cover, made specifically to be laser etched. We precisely cut away the top layer, revealing the translucent actuator base material.
Whatever has been etched illuminates when the lamp in the switch body comes on. Etchings are also clearly visible during the day.
Different Switches: Most Have One Light Only
Most printed covers are placed on a switch body with only one light. The light is “dependent” meaning it comes on as an indicator when the switch is ON only.
This works fine as an indicator, but you need a second light in the switch if you want illuminated rocker switches that are readable in the dark
Different Switches: We Use Two Light Switches
Our illuminated rocker switches have two lamps. One is an independently triggered light… a “backlight” This is generally triggered by your navigation lights, and illuminates the whole bank of switch labels.
Illuminates your entire bank of switch labels
There is an extra terminal on each switch that’s used to trigger the backlights.
The result:
A perfectly night readable switch panel. Upgrading to custom switches is an excellent improvement to an existing panel.
Only one more connection is needed per switch.
Can I Only Replace My Covers?
Yes, you could just replace the covers, and will have a much more readable switch. However, if you’re replacing printed rocker switch covers it’s likely you will only have one light in the switch.
Without the separate – independently triggered lamp, they will only illuminate when the switch is on. You’ll have greatly improved readability for the switches that are on at any given time.
See our video below that shows how easy and quick it is to replace you boat’s switch covers with this easy to use tool.
Looking for the Contura XIV Style?
Contura XIV rocker switches are another illuminated rocker switch style we carry, offering the same laser-etched backlighting features found in the Contura V switches on this page. The main difference is appearance. Many customers prefer the XIV style for its slightly more modern look, while others stick with the traditional Contura V design.
Contura XIV switches are also slightly narrower than Contura V switches. In panels where the switch cutouts are positioned very close together, the narrower XIV style may fit better and avoid interference between switches. If you’re looking for a modern illuminated rocker switch with the same night readability and indicator lighting, Contura XIV switches are a great option to consider.
