Introduction to Switches

Britax supply a wide range of Cole Hersee products including rocker, toggle, push button, ignition/starter, rotary, push-pull and battery master switches, as well as circuit breakers and solenoids.
Cole Hersee are recognised and respected as a leading manufacturer of electromechanical, electronic and digital switches and connectors. Cole Hersee products are designed for the heavy-duty vehicle industry (on-road and off-road) and for the marine trade.

Toggle and Rocker Switches

Toggle and rocker switches are manufactured in many different variations to handle most vehicle and equipment applications. Toggle and rocker switches are usually classified by the number of poles and throws to identify their basic operation.
Toggle switches are available with ball, short or long handles, paddle or illuminated actuators. Housings are either plastic, plastic and metal combined, or die-cast metal.
Rocker switches can be either snap-in or bracket mounting, actuators can be illuminated or imprinted, contain pilot lights, or have both pilot lights and imprinting. Housings are usually plastic, however some models feature plastic with a metal bezel or mounting bracket.
Cole Hersee toggle and rocker switches can be used in 6, 12, 24 and 36 volt systems, and are rated up to 35 amp inductive load and 25 amp lamp load at 12 volts.
They can be used in applications such as signalling and marker lamps, windshield wiper systems, fuel selector valves, heater systems, headlight systems, and more.

Ignition Switches

Ignition switches are operated by a coded key and tumbler lock, hencol keyed lock or lever. Lever design is available in three different configurations: short, long and military. Ignition switches are available with coded cylinder locks and keys or hencol non-tumbler locks with compatible keys.
Switches are available with a grounded case design with a separate ground terminal. A grounded case switch must be installed in a metal panel which is part of the vehicle earthing system. In non-grounded panels, select a switch with an earth terminal.

Master Disconnect Switches

For over forty years Cole Hersee has been designing and building heavy duty master disconnect switches that have been installed as OE equipment by leading manufacturers of heavy duty vehicles.
Master disconnect switches shut down a vehicle’s electrical system by cutting off current from the battery. They are designed to help prevent tampering, theft, battery drain and electrical fires.
Master disconnect switches are available with brass or plated steel cases and are actuated by lever or hencol key. Contacts are either silver or copper. O-rings feature in the operating shaft of some models for additional moisture and dirt protection.

Battery Selector and Disconnect Switches

In a dual battery system, one battery is used for starting the engine while the other is used to power auxiliary loads. A battery selector switch enables the use of the first battery, the second battery or both batteries simultaneously.
A dual battery system with a battery selector switch provides backup starting power in an emergency. One application is to put two batteries together (in parallel) to start the engine in cold weather. If the primary battery is not at full power, then the second battery can be used. This assures the availability of adequate power for starting. It also enables the user to select either battery for charging.