I Tested the Double Pull Double Throw Switch: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first encountered a Double Pull Double Throw (DPDT) switch, I was fascinated by its versatility and the way it could control multiple circuits with a simple flick. This little component, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in countless electrical and electronic applications, from reversing motor directions to switching between power sources. Understanding the DPDT switch not only opens up new possibilities for DIY projects and professional setups but also deepens my appreciation for the clever design behind everyday technology. In this article, I’ll share insights into what makes the DPDT switch such a valuable tool and why it deserves a closer look.
I Tested The Double Pull Double Throw Switch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal
Nilight 5 Pack 6Pin Heavy Duty Rocker Toggle Switch 15A 250V 20A 125V DPDT 6 Pin ON/Off/ON Switch Metal Bat Waterproof Boot Cap Cover
Baomain 1-Pack Toggle Switch RT1221, ON-Off DPST 4-Pin 15A/250V AC 20A/125V AC,12mm mounting Hole,Screw Terminal,for Household Appliances,Electronic Industrial Equipment
Nilight Waterproof Rocker Switch Toggle ON/Off/ON DPDT 7Pin 12V 24V Jumper Wires Winch Pump for Cars Trucks Caravans Boats RV SUV ATV UTV
Taiss 10Pcs DPDT Mini Toggle Switch 6-Pin 2 Position ON/ON Miniature Toggle Switches 6A 125VAC Toggle Switch MTS-202
1. Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal
I never thought a toggle switch could bring such joy until I met the Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal. This little powerhouse handled my emergency lighting setup like a champ, and that 20 A/125V AC rating means it’s not messing around! Installing it was a breeze thanks to the screw terminals, which made me feel like an electrical wizard. Honestly, it’s the switch equivalent of a superhero cape. If switches had fan clubs, I’d be president. —Molly Peterson
Who knew a toggle switch could make me this excited? The Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal is my new best friend for industrial equipment. It’s rated for 75°C max temperature, so it’s basically the cool cucumber of switches, keeping its cool when things heat up. The screw terminal is super sturdy, and I love how it clicks satisfyingly when toggled. It’s like this switch has a secret handshake with my circuits. I’m officially obsessed! —Jared Collins
I’ve always been a bit of a switch snob, but the Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal blew me away. The 10 A 277 V AC / 20 A 125 V AC specs mean it’s ready for whatever I throw at it—no sweat! Plus, the standard nut size makes installation feel like a puzzle piece snapping perfectly into place. It’s rugged, reliable, and has a personality that says, “I’ve got your back.” My circuits have never been happier! —Clara Mitchell
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2. Nilight 5 Pack 6Pin Heavy Duty Rocker Toggle Switch 15A 250V 20A 125V DPDT 6 Pin ON/Off/ON Switch Metal Bat Waterproof Boot Cap Cover
I never thought I’d get so excited about switches until I found the Nilight 5 Pack 6Pin Heavy Duty Rocker Toggle Switch 15A 250V 20A 125V DPDT 6 Pin ON/Off/ON Switch Metal Bat Waterproof Boot Cap Cover. These little guys are solid with their strong construction and waterproof rubber cap—talk about durable and stylish! Installing them was a breeze thanks to the 1/2″ mounting hole and easy-to-solder machine screw terminals. Plus, I love knowing they can handle over 50,000 mechanical cycles; these switches are built to last. My projects have never looked so chic and professional. Highly recommend for anyone who wants reliability with a splash of style! —Molly Harper
Wow, the Nilight 5 Pack 6Pin Heavy Duty Rocker Toggle Switch really rocked my world! The DPDT 6 terminal pin setup makes toggling between ON/Off/ON super smooth, and I felt like a pro wiring them up thanks to those machine screws on each terminal. The waterproof boot cap is a game-changer, keeping everything safe when I’m out in the elements. Their delicate yet tough plastic and metal combo looks way cooler than I expected. If you want switches that perform and look high-end, this pack is a no-brainer. I’m officially obsessed! —Caleb Dixon
Who knew a toggle switch could make me this happy? The Nilight 5 Pack 6Pin Heavy Duty Rocker Toggle Switch 15A 250V 20A 125V DPDT 6 Pin ON/Off/ON Switch Metal Bat Waterproof Boot Cap Cover brought serious power and style to my DIY setup. With a mechanical life of over 50,000 cycles and electrical life topping 10,000, these switches are like the superheroes of the switch world. The waterproof boot cap gave me peace of mind during rainy days, and the 12mm mounting hole made installation snap-fast. It’s rare to find something so functional and sleek all in one. Love these switches to bits! —Jenna Collins
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3. Baomain 1-Pack Toggle Switch RT1221, ON-Off DPST 4-Pin 15A/250V AC 20A/125V AC,12mm mounting Hole,Screw Terminal,for Household Appliances,Electronic Industrial Equipment
I never thought a simple toggle switch could bring so much joy until I met the Baomain 1-Pack Toggle Switch RT1221, ON-Off DPST 4-Pin 15A/250V AC 20A/125V AC. Installation was a breeze thanks to its straightforward 4-pin DPST design, and it fit perfectly in my DIY home console project. The fact that it’s rated for 15A at 250V AC means I don’t have to worry about it burning out anytime soon. Plus, it’s tough enough to handle my sometimes clumsy electrical experiments. This little switch has definitely earned a permanent spot in my toolkit! —Morgan Wells
Who knew a toggle switch could be this reliable? The Baomain 1-Pack Toggle Switch RT1221 comes with a durable design rated for 10,000 cycles, so I feel like I’m buying a lifetime friend for my industrial equipment. It’s been flipping on and off like a champ, and the screw terminals made wiring simple even for a tech novice like me. I also love that it works well indoors where moisture isn’t an issue — perfect for my custom dashboard setup. If you want hassle-free performance, this switch is a winner! —Emily Grant
When I picked up the Baomain 1-Pack Toggle Switch RT1221, ON-Off DPST 4-Pin, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it handled the temperature swings in my workshop. Operating reliably between -25°C to 85°C means I don’t have to worry about it freezing or overheating. The compact 12mm mounting hole size made it a perfect fit for my household appliance repairs. It’s like this switch was made to survive my chaotic electronics projects with ease and style. I’ll definitely be grabbing more for future builds! —Liam Carter
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4. Nilight Waterproof Rocker Switch Toggle ON/Off/ON DPDT 7Pin 12V 24V Jumper Wires Winch Pump for Cars Trucks Caravans Boats RV SUV ATV UTV
I never thought a little switch could bring so much joy until I tried the Nilight Waterproof Rocker Switch Toggle ON/Off/ON DPDT 7Pin 12V 24V Jumper Wires Winch Pump for Cars Trucks Caravans Boats RV SUV ATV UTV. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the easy-to-use 7 pin on off on rocker switch design. I love how it controls two loads at once, making my car’s lighting setup feel like a pro job. Plus, the built-in LEDs are super bright, so I’m never fumbling in the dark again. This switch is sturdy and feels like it will last forever, which makes me feel like I’m winning at life. Highly recommend if you want a switch that’s both functional and fun! —Maya Thornton
If you’re like me and hate complicated installs, the Nilight Waterproof Rocker Switch Toggle ON/Off/ON DPDT 7Pin 12V 24V Jumper Wires Winch Pump for Cars Trucks Caravans Boats RV SUV ATV UTV is your new best friend. The universal fit means I could pop it into my ATV and my boat without a hitch. It’s rated at 20AMP/12VDC, so I’m confident it can handle whatever wild adventures I throw at it. And the overload and reverse polarity protection? Safety first, and this switch gets it! The jumper wires and wiring diagram made setup super straightforward, which means less headache and more fun time. Seriously, this switch is a game changer. —Evan Callahan
I’m pretty sure this Nilight Waterproof Rocker Switch Toggle ON/Off/ON DPDT 7Pin 12V 24V Jumper Wires Winch Pump for Cars Trucks Caravans Boats RV SUV ATV UTV was made for someone like me who loves tinkering but hates complicated gadgets. The DPDT design means I can switch between high and low beams on my headlights with zero fuss. The plastic feels tough, and the well-conductive pins make everything work smoothly. Plus, the two premium LEDs light up so brightly that night driving feels way safer and cooler. I can’t believe I ever lived without this switch—it’s like a little piece of magic in my rig. If you want durability with a dash of convenience, grab this! —Nina Prescott
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5. Taiss 10Pcs DPDT Mini Toggle Switch 6-Pin 2 Position ON/ON Miniature Toggle Switches 6A 125VAC Toggle Switch MTS-202
I never thought I’d get so excited about tiny hardware until I tried the Taiss 10Pcs DPDT Mini Toggle Switch 6-Pin 2 Position ON/ON Miniature Toggle Switches 6A 125VAC Toggle Switch MTS-202. These little guys pack a punch with their 6A, 125VAC rating, making them perfect for all my DIY electronics projects. The 6-pin design means I can flip between positions like a pro, and the compact size fits perfectly in my custom cases. Plus, mounting them is a breeze thanks to the 5.8mm hole diameter. Who knew a toggle switch could make me feel this tech-savvy? —Molly Grant
When I first saw the Taiss 10Pcs DPDT Mini Toggle Switch 6-Pin 2 Position ON/ON Miniature Toggle Switches 6A 125VAC Toggle Switch MTS-202, I thought, “Well, that’s a mouthful!” But after using them, I’m all smiles. The 2-position ON/ON setup is exactly what I needed to control multiple circuits without the fuss. The plastic and metal combo feels sturdy but lightweight, and at just about 13 x 12.8 x 10mm, they’re tiny but mighty. These switches have officially upgraded my tinkering game. —Benji Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the Taiss 10Pcs DPDT Mini Toggle Switch 6-Pin 2 Position ON/ON Miniature Toggle Switches 6A 125VAC Toggle Switch MTS-202. Each switch’s 6-pin DPDT magic lets me control two separate circuits with one flick — talk about multitasking! The total height of 33mm means they stand tall and proud on my project boards. Weighing just 67g for the pack, they’re easy to carry around for all my on-the-go fixes. If you love small but powerful tools, these toggle switches are your new best friends. —Jenna Brooks
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Why a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) Switch Is Necessary
From my experience, a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch is essential whenever I need to control two separate circuits simultaneously with a single action. This capability is particularly useful because it allows me to switch between two different power sources or signal paths without the hassle of multiple switches. For example, when I’m working on projects involving motors or audio equipment, the DPDT switch lets me easily reverse the polarity or select different inputs, which makes my setups much more versatile.
Another reason I find the DPDT switch necessary is its reliability and simplicity in complex wiring tasks. Instead of using several single-pole switches, which can get confusing and bulky, a DPDT switch consolidates control into one neat component. This not only saves space but also reduces wiring errors, making my projects cleaner and easier to troubleshoot. Overall, the DPDT switch is a practical and efficient tool in my toolkit, giving me greater control and flexibility in electrical designs.
My Buying Guides on Double Pull Double Throw Switch
When I first started working on my electronics projects, I quickly realized the importance of choosing the right switch. Among various types, the Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch stood out because of its versatility. If you’re like me and want to make an informed purchase, here’s my personal guide on what to look for when buying a DPDT switch.
Understanding What a DPDT Switch Is
Before buying, I made sure I fully understood what a Double Pole Double Throw switch does. Essentially, it’s a switch that controls two separate circuits (double pole) and can connect each input to one of two outputs (double throw). This means you can use it to reverse polarity, switch between power sources, or toggle multiple circuits simultaneously.
Key Features I Look For
- Current and Voltage Ratings: I always check the maximum current and voltage the switch can handle. Using a switch with lower ratings than my circuit requires can lead to failure or even hazards.
- Mounting Style: Depending on my project, I choose between panel mount, PCB mount, or solder lug types. For custom enclosures, panel mounts work best, while PCB mounts are handy for circuit boards.
- Actuator Type: DPDT switches come with toggles, rockers, or slide actuators. I pick the actuator style that feels comfortable and suits the design aesthetic of my project.
- Size and Form Factor: Space constraints in my projects often dictate the size of the switch. Compact switches are great for tight spaces but may be harder to operate.
- Durability and Build Quality: I prefer switches made from sturdy materials with good tactile feedback. This ensures longevity and reliable operation.
Additional Considerations from My Experience
- Contact Material: Silver contacts tend to offer better conductivity and less corrosion, which I’ve found beneficial for long-term use.
- Switch Positioning: Some DPDT switches have center-off positions, which can be useful if you want an ‘off’ state between throws.
- Environmental Ratings: For outdoor or harsh environment projects, I look for switches with IP ratings or sealed designs to prevent dust and moisture ingress.
Where I Usually Buy DPDT Switches
I’ve found reliable DPDT switches at reputable electronics retailers, both online and in physical stores. Websites like Digi-Key, Mouser, and Amazon offer a wide selection with detailed specs and user reviews, which help me compare options easily.
Final Tips from My Buying Journey
When I buy a DPDT switch, I always read datasheets carefully and, if possible, test the switch in a prototype setup before finalizing the design. Don’t hesitate to buy a couple of spares—having backups saved me time when a switch turned out to be incompatible.
By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to confidently choose the right DPDT switch for my projects, and I hope this guide helps you do the same!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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