Cole Hersee Toggle Switches
Cole Hersee Toggle Switches: Built for the Demands of Marine, Automotive & Commercial Use
When it comes to controlling circuits in harsh, high-vibration, or moisture-exposed environments, few names carry more authority than Cole Hersee. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Cole Hersee has spent over a century engineering electrical components specifically for the rigors of heavy-duty automotive, marine, and commercial vehicle applications. Their toggle switches represent one of the brand's most trusted product families — components that electricians, marine riggers, fleet mechanics, and DIY builders reach for when reliability is non-negotiable.
Why Cole Hersee Toggle Switches Stand Apart
Toggle switches may seem like a simple component, but the difference between a quality unit and a cheap substitute becomes painfully clear after a season of salt spray, engine vibration, or temperature swings. Cole Hersee engineers their toggle switches to withstand exactly these conditions. Key features found across their toggle switch lineup include:
- Sealed and weatherproof construction – Many Cole Hersee toggle switches feature rubber boots or sealed housings that protect internal contacts from moisture, dust, and corrosion — essential for marine deck wiring or underhood automotive circuits.
- High current ratings – Cole Hersee toggle switches are rated to handle the real-world amperages found in 12V and 24V DC systems, making them suitable for bilge pumps, lighting circuits, auxiliary power, and more.
- Multiple circuit configurations – Their catalog spans SPST (single-pole, single-throw), SPDT, DPST, and DPDT configurations, giving installers the flexibility to match the exact switching logic their application requires.
- Locking and non-locking options – Select models include a locking collar or guard to prevent accidental actuation — a critical safety feature in commercial vehicle dashboards and marine helm stations.
- Durable actuator materials – Toggle levers are built for repeated use, maintaining positive tactile feedback and secure detent positions over thousands of cycles.
Where Cole Hersee Toggle Switches Are Used
Cole Hersee toggle switches appear across a wide range of real-world applications: marine vessels rely on them for bilge pump controls, navigation lighting, and blower motor circuits; commercial trucks use them on auxiliary lighting bars and PTO systems; and custom automotive builders trust them for clean, professional-grade interior switch panels. Their UL-recognized and ABYC-compliant designs meet the standards demanded by professional installers in each of these industries.
Choosing the Right Cole Hersee Toggle Switch
With 23 toggle switch SKUs in the Cole Hersee lineup, there is a configuration for virtually every switching need. When selecting a unit, consider the circuit type (momentary vs. maintained), pole and throw configuration, current rating, and whether a weatherproof boot is required for your installation environment. Cole Hersee's consistent part-numbering system makes cross-referencing straightforward for both OEM replacements and new installations.
Explore the complete Cole Hersee brand catalog for complementary electrical components including battery switches, solenoids, and circuit breakers, or browse the full toggle switches category to compare all available options and configurations.