What Are Inline Rocker Switches & Power Cords?

We all use different electrical devices daily. Electricity is an essential part of our lives, and most people can’t even imagine living without it or some of our favorite appliances. However, just because we can use these devices doesn’t mean we know anything about how they work.

Using a smartphone doesn’t make you smart by default. Phones are user-friendly, and even our grandparents can find their way around them. If you’re interested in learning more about electrical equipment and appliances, you’ve come to the right place.

Today we will talk about power cords, inline rocker switches, what they do, and how they are combined.

What are power cords?

Power cords or cables are electrical hardware we all have in our homes. These cables transfer DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current), and in most cases, they have connectors on each side and move electricity from an electrical socket to a device.

Power cords are mainly manufactured from copper wires and are insulated by some material that doesn’t conduct electricity. Plastic coating is the common choice of insulation. Countries have different requirements and standards for producing electrical sockets, plugs, and cords.

Various international standards regulate power cord production in different parts of the world. You can’t really buy a cord in your country that won’t “fit” your device or sockets unless you’ve acquired it somewhere abroad.

Inline rocker switches explained

Inline rocker switches are independent that can be attached to a power cord. Some devices, such as lamps, usually come with inline switches, and you’ve probably had one at your home at some point. Rocker switches are the most common type, and they have a housing and a single button that “rocks” two ways.

There are other types of inline switches that offer multiple speeds, settings, toggle options, etc. Inline rocker switches can be installed anywhere along the cord, emphasizing convenience. Users can quickly press the button to turn the power on/off whenever needed.

The housing and the button are usually made out of plastic because they are cheap, light, and have the necessary level of quality. It’s possible to find rocker switches with light indicators if your device doesn’t have an indicator or when you want to press the button at night.

Benefits of power cords with inline rocker switches

All that sounds nice, but why should anyone get inline rocker switches? Well, they come with a couple of benefits that will make your lives a lot easier. Here’s what you need to know.

They offer convenience

Anyone who has some device at home with a cable switch will tell you the same thing – they’re super convenient. For example, you’re lying down in your bed watching TV and ready to fall asleep.

Instead of having to get up to reach the knob on the lamp, you can simply press it next to your bed and go to sleep. There is no need to go to the device or the socket to turn it on or off. The switch can be mounted anywhere on the cable and make any piece of equipment or machine easy to use.

For example, if you’re a singer and have a microphone without a switch, it can be super annoying to go to the mixer table every time you want to control your sound input. With a switch well within reach, you can focus on the important stuff – your music – and spend your studio time more productively.

Added safety

Electrical devices are generally safe, but they can also be quite hazardous. Faulty sockets, poor installation, voltage, or broken cables can cause all kinds of issues. If your socket is defective and going up in smoke, you want to avoid having to pull out the line directly out of it.

With a cable switch, you can do this safely from a distance. On the other hand, a nearby button will let you react much faster. Sometimes it’s a matter of seconds before things go up in flames, and you need to switch everything off quickly.

Cost-effectiveness

Even though these cables can be beneficial, many devices don’t have them. Luckily, you can easily install one yourself if you know your way around wires. If not, an electrician can do this for you in a matter of minutes at a low fee.

You can buy inline rocker switches at a low price and add them to any cable you want. They are very cheap and come in different designs, sizes, lengths, and functionalities.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand more about this electrical hardware and just how useful it can be. Take the time to find reliable stores where you can purchase switches or cables at an affordable price. If you don’t have any electrical knowledge, it’s probably best to let a professional do the installation.