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In all my 61 years, I've never lived in a house or apartment with rocker switches. However, I am in the process of switching out all the toggles for rockers in our current house. I replaced some outside garage light switches for smart switches and in one case had to add a rocker switch for the second switch in the box. I'm doing the same for our porch light, which will require a rocker for the entry light, and then for our backyard lights, will will require rockers for the other switches in the box. I will be converting the rest of the down stairs to rockers during the year. When we had our master bathroom remodeled a couple of years ago, I converted the switches to rockers. I have to tell you, while I like rockers, it took me a long time to get use to them. Walking in, I would reach around the wall to turn on the light, I would always do it as if to turn on a toggle and I'd miss. Who knew a light switch could be so life changing. Lol
I built my house 34 years ago & used toggle switches. I purchased the cheap ones at a big box store, Payless Cashways. Have not ever had one to fail. Having a couple dozen left over from back then, I am now installing them in my new shop. Hope I get the same service out of them as before. I have noticed that the old switches seem to be of better construction than the ones for sale today.
I've been enjoying your content recently. I work in the electrical department of a home improvement retailer that sells Eaton. I really appreciate the content because I find it interesting to have an idea what's inside these things, which previously I never had seen. I will throw out one thing that I discovered that I thought was interesting... Eaton plugs and switches have wire strippers built into the mounting bracket! It's not something I typically share with customers because I encourage them to use the correct tools... but I thought it was kind of cool how much thought was put into the design of a $0.49 switch. And it explains why I sometimes feel sharp edges when I grab a handful of these to transfer into a newly-opened box. So if you ever need a wire stripper in a pinch, grab an Eaton device!
We just purchased a brand new home in 15 December 2020. Every switch in the house is a rocker switch. Every switch in our previous home was a toggle switch. We are enjoying the switch (pun intended).
Love your comparison videos - thank you for putting them out there! Some thoughts: I prefer traditional toggles in dark locations I don't necessarily frequent. Generally on entering a room, I have a good sense for where the wall surface is - there's enough light approaching the doorway to know the location of the wall on the way through - but not necessarily the exact location of the switch on the dark side. With a toggle, I can just wave my hand across the right wall area and usually trip it in one sweep. With a rocker switch, if it's not a room I'm familiar enough to have muscle memory of the switch location, I'm patting/poking the wall a few times before I find it. I sometimes see a halo of smudges/handprints on the wall around rockers, but seldom around toggles. So far as tripping switches with your elbow, I sometimes elbow toggle switches too, though only when there's enough light to see the switch, and not in dark locations I mentioned above. It's definitely more finicky than with rockers (with some fear of hitting your funny bone) but hasn't been a showstopper for me. For locations where this is a frequent need, I find I end up installing motion sensor switches instead, rendering it a moot point. As for the wire attachment differences, that's not strictly a rocker vs. toggle difference.: the commercial grade toggle switch has the backwire plates too. I understand you're trying to keep things fair by comparing residential vs. residential, but there's a price difference there that's the same as the price difference between residential and commercial toggle switches. I think it'd be fair to compare $2 toggle vs $2 rocker. Both get you the same wire attachment, cost the same money, and it becomes literally a free choice between toggle and rocker. Then, what you trade for price for the other options, you've already covered in other videos.
"I prefer traditional toggles in dark locations I don't necessarily frequent. Generally on entering a room, I have a good sense for where the wall surface is - there's enough light approaching the doorway to know the location of the wall on the way through - but not necessarily the exact location of the switch on the dark side. With a toggle, I can just wave my hand across the right wall area and usually trip it in one sweep. With a rocker switch, if it's not a room I'm familiar enough to have muscle memory of the switch location, I'm patting/poking the wall a few times before I find it. I sometimes see a halo of smudges/handprints on the wall around rockers, but seldom around toggles. " This, a million times this. I hate hate HATE poking around in the dark for a rocker switch. Give me a toggle switch, it's cheaper and more functional. Win win. I couldn't care less about looks if looks come with the downside of being less functional.
I had rocker growing up. I always hated them. Toggle are objectively a superior way to hit a switch. My current home, which is pretty new, has toggles everywhere. Can enter a room and without looking always hit the switch first time.
Nice video with great descriptions!!! I grew up old school with the toggle switch. One thing I have personally witnessed in my 54 years on this lovely planet, ... your comment about the rocker failures. Their may have been a flaw during the production, ... but I’ve seen kids and adults hit these rocker switches. Their made with plastic components not military grade assault applications in mind. Some times it’s out of anger/frustration, ... but many times it’s from upbringing. (Whole different subject) It’s no different then when someone slams kitchen cabinet doors, stomps feet or throws tools!!! I’m going to try these new rocker switches on my renovation projects as you brought up some interesting points!!! Thanks again for your time and video and take care! Art PS: The first time I ever through a wrench, my dad calmly told me to go pick it up and when I got back he only said one thing. (CALMLY) “you know when you throw something, ... you eventually have to go pick it up!!! don’t let the small things get to you!!!”
One thing I've noticed is that when getting a 3-way switch, the toggle still has screw leads and the rocker has pigtails coming out of the switch. Personally, it's way easier to put wire nut on the pigtails than to mess with the toggle's screw terminals. I prefer the rocker but one big disadvantage is that it's harder to "dress" the wires and get them all pushed back since the rocker body takes up so much space.
I prefer toggle switches. I like seeing if the switch is off or on. Convenient for porch lights. Also knowing if the switch is off when removing a broken light bulb in socket
I really enjoy these videos. Have you ever done a video on Wago 221 and 222 electrical connectors? If you haven't I would like to see your take on them.
I swapped a toggle for a rocker over 20 years ago for a high activity light. Still works great. I specifically wanted it because of the elbow thing, always carrying something when I needed to turn that light. All other switched in my small house are duplex. Rockers are made for duplex, but the buttons are too small for elbows.
I grew up in homes with toggle switches and I like the look. I've replaced 60 year old toggles and I've replaced 15 year old Decora switches, toggles last longer and they are cheaper to replace.
Great video. Answered the exact question I had...which is "what's the difference?" My gas fireplace has the millivolt system and uses a standard wall switch. Fireplace became "flakey" and would sometimes have a delayed start....or no start...or would work normally. I realize that the thermopile is probably a little dirty and maybe not optimal...but when I removed the switch and shorted the wires directly...the fire starts every time, instantly...thus, the problem is the switch (resistance). I was wondering if there is a type of wall switch which would have better reliability/longevity...I guess whichever has a snappier contact or stronger spring would assure a better contact over time....likely dust or corrosion on the contacts is the culprit in my case...I guess move of a sliding contact would be nice and self-clean...but I don't believe these are used for wall switches.... No big deal. Selling the home now...I'll replace the switch and move-on...
Used a double rocker in a single gang box and it failed after 10 years or so. The only toggle I ever had that failed was an original in my 1920 house. Back then, most houses used pushbutton switches, but the man who had this house built went for the "modern" toggles. I actually liked the look of the pushbuttons and bought originals off of ebay to replaced the toggles on the main floor. My current home was built in 1955 and it's toggles all the way.
The other case I have seen for rocker switches is for seniors or other people that may not have the best fine motor control can use rockers more reliably. Similar to your comment about hitting the switch with your hands full
I like toggles for bedrooms because you can shut them off silently by pinching and raising it up, while I like rocker switches for other rooms for convenience, but they are impossible to shut off silently due to their mechanism.
Interesting how a standard toggle and rocker are so different! Not sure if I should be more surprised that the toggle doesn't have the straight clamp-downs or that the rocker does. I do like to use rockers in new installations and anywhere they are a better fit appearance wise (like in my bathroom in a 3-gang with a GFCI outlet and a humidity controlled fan timer). Back when I bought my (1950's) house 15 years ago one of the first things I did was swap every outlet, switch and faceplate since they were a mixed grab bag of colors and ages. I used toggles, but if I had it to do over again today I'd probably go with rockers since the plates were already being replaced too.
I've got about 20 rockers switches in our house, all are about 20 years now and never had any problems with them. Never had any of them break as you described.
Same. The people who have had these break on them punch or slap the switch so hard that it's bound to break. I've seen both adults and kids (excusable) slap the switches as if they were cavemen.
As I mentioned on your disassembly of the Decora switch the pivot area on my Decora switch had to be lubricated with Teflon spray dry lube after only 10 months use in a bathroom (heavy use ) as the activation effort really increased. If you have rental properties (or just for preventive maintenance ) you may want to spray the switches annually to help prevent failures since you have experienced them . It also appears that the contact pressure is greater with the old style switch which may be important for circuits that have a lot of lights on it or is used on a high current draw item like a heavy duty garbage disposal. Also on an old style switch disassembly I noticed a lite coat of grease on a round pivot point. Since the rocker is easily pried out of a Decora switch I wonder if putting a bit of plastic safe grease (like silicon) on it would be a good idea especially on high use ones. I will try it if the dry lube does not last.
When I was a kid, I used to try to balance the toggle switch at the halfway point...how bad of an idea was that? I've been wondering, since learning more about switches from this channel as well as Technology Connections
Not good 😂. It can increase the arcing between contacts and eventually lead to failure. With that said if that is the worst you did as a kid I think all is good 👍
I normally use white toggle for older updated homes to keep the consistent look. The rocker can look a bit too "contemporary" in older home if you want to maintain that old world charm. For kitchen with recessed lights, that's where I would consider using a rocker (dimmer) for recessed light
I prefer rockers whenever possible, which is 99% of the time. But sometimes you basically have no choice but to use toggles. Case in point, you can get single & double polished brass cover plates, but a triple Decora polished brass plate? Good luck with that! But polished brass triple cover plate for toggles are typically stocked items at Lowe’s etc. Also, toggles are better for illuminated switches, illuminated rockers look terrible. In any other way (appearance, dimmers, cleaning, etc) rockers win hands down.
You don't need to pre-bend the hooks to wire the device. There is a raised lip around the depression around the screw so that it can grab the end of your stripped wire and you can bend the wire around the screw. Tighten the screw then trim the end if necessary. Once you get used to it it's waaaay faster than trying to pre-bend a hook tight enough to work but not so tight that you can't get it around the screw. Let the screw form the hook that it wants.
I replaced the toggles in my kitchen for rockers, one issue I ran into is that since the decorative plate screws are closer to the edge, I had to drill little holes in the ceramic so the screw wouldn't hit the ceramic and prevent me from screwing them all the way in. Same with receptacles, which the old ones only had one screw in the middle. I used stainless steel decorative plate with black switches/receptacles, that looks really good next to my Stainless steel appliances.
My sister has one of those decora switches with the built in dimmer in her kitchen. She moved into her house in 2001 and the bezel was just starting to break like the one in your picture. She has the same switch to this day and I'm surprised it's lasted this long.
I’m thinking about rocker switches so I can keep my expensive cover plates if I decide to install smart switches in the future. I have only seen smart switches in the decora design.
Yep, pretty much all smart switches are going to be compatible with Decora plates opposed to standard. Also nice to use the same for switches and receptacles 👍
I've replaced 2 rockers where the pivot broke off. The leviton replacement seems a little sturdier but time will tell. I didn't install or choose the original ones that broke. I still prefer them though so I can elbow the switch while carrying cats. (first world problems)
It's easier to train the dog to turn off the light on command with the rocker switch. I always put in lever door knobs for the same reason. It's important.
Toggle for me. I personally like the look more and they make less sound. I actually switched out my rocker to a toggle. Now the rest are rockers since I can only do it In my room.
I put rocker in my home. I have to wonder how hard the hit the rocker to get it to break out of the cradle. My wife likes the rocker because the toggle switch, if not used a lot, will gather dust and dirt and it is not as easy to clean.
Love your videos man. There's not much performance difference between these. You can get either version in side wire, backstab, and pressure connector. So it all comes down to esthetics. Might even be able to argue that going with decora everything in a home, is a good way to simplify finding faceplates that fit your applications. No more having to get weird combinations of 2 duplex, 1 switch for a 3 gang plate. Just get however many gangs you need in decora.
The other cost consideration is the wall plate cover. The cheap ones have the screws exposed. Chances are if you're stepping up to a rocker switch, you probably will be spending at least another $2-5 for a hidden screw version. Obviously a win from an ADA standpoint as someone in a residential setting will likely benefit over a 20-30 year lifespan of a switch.
When I have to replace a switch, I go with Leviton Professional Heavy Duty. More money, but I will never outlive the switch. And my recent replacement of two 3 way switches was because the 33 year old ones were causing my 2 new LED Panel kitchen lights to flicker.
I prefer Rocker over toggle. Our kids have broke several toggle switches off being careless. Since switching to Rocker , no broken switches. When my mother would visit she found it harder to use toggle since she had bad arthritis.
I had a rocker fail - the rocker fell off. I replaced it with a toggle switch. My daughter complained that it was ugly and I had to replace it with a new rocker. :-)
I have never replaced any normal switches. I have replaced Toggle rocker switches, because of the problem you mentioned. I have replaced dual switches, that fit into the space of an outlet. I would like a comparison on those switches (I spend about $5 on those). Also I would be interested in a comparison on a combo switch/outlet that fits into an outlet configuration. Thanks...Jim PS......these are for remodel use.....they come in very handy.
Another advantage to the toggle switch is that it can use the same wall plate as the receptacle of the same design as opposed to the rocker which the wall plates for the switch and receptacle are completely different.
The internal engineering on the rocker is clearly better. Fewer parts and the contact mechanism is less prone to wear. I love the rocker for end user functionality as well. If you mount it flush, you can swipe at the wall in the direction you want the light to go and it happens... No unfortunate stubs of the forearm or fingers. Especially convenient in dark rooms that need light. Perhaps the best thing about "decora" (rockers) is that you can use the same wall plate for outlets and switches.
As a retired materials engineer, it always bugs me when manufacturers use plastics on highly stressed components, like hinges, etc. I do enjoy your component dissections! Bought a house built in 1992. When I remodel a room or add LED-compliant dimmer switches I "upgrade" all the room switches to rocker switches. Must admit when carrying in groceries it is nice to elbow the switch ON.
I have been in the process of fixing up my old condo, and since the light switches were all very dirty and difficult to clean, I decided to just replace them all. I went with rockers because not only do they look nicer, but they are more accessible - the condo was originally designed for ADA accessibility, and if I were to rent it out to someone with limited mobility, it would be much easier for them to operate. Also, the building was built to an older code, which meant that while all the boxes had ground wires, none of the existing switches had ground connectors, and an outlet behind the washing machine was not GFCI protected either.
I like Decora switches mainly in situations where a locator light is helpful. The Decora with locator light on the switch at the top of my basement stairs is very useful.
Eaton toggles are closer to a dollar. That’s what I put in my kitchen for the range hood and the disposal. Eaton specifies that they are suitable for motor control. That’s another aspect worth discussing.
People say that the rockers look nicer, but I honestly don't see that. Both look like light switches to me. If anything, toggles look "normal" and rockers look "fussy." I prefer toggles, anyway, both because of the cost and because they are harder to accidentally switch on or off. Nice video.
I like the look and the feel of the standard toggle switches. I've always disliked the decora switches...I don't think they look nice and aren't as satisfying to use.
My question for you and the audience is, can you use Rocker switches with standard duplex outlets? I prefer the look of the rocker switch but am not a huge fan of the look of the decor receptacles.
Ditto. Especially the digital ones like Lutron's Maestro series. In our bedroom, we got Maestro dimmers with IR remote controls, so we can control them from the bed, which is really convenient.
I prefer the convenience of being able to tap a rocker switch vs grabbing or swiping across a toggle. (Never thought much about it before I found myself with both hands in splints.) The floating contact in the rocker is possibly more susceptible to corrosion, and the spring contact in the toggle may be susceptible to "cold forming," but assuming reasonable current loads, these are both nothingburgers - either switch should have mechanical failure in the plastic bits before the contacts go high resistance.
First let me say that I like your video (except for too loud music) but I find your criticism of the wire push in feature a little unconvincing. This connection has constant spring pressure against the wire that will compensate for expansion and contraction of the metal components with temperature change, this feature is especially important where aluminum wiring has been used where loosening of screw connections can cause arcing and the possbility of fire (which has happened). This is why aluminum wiring is now very uncommon but still exists in some buildings. The main drawback that I see with the push in is that there is a much smaller metal contact area than the screw connection.
A majority of the failed outlets I have needed to replace were backstabbed, and that was the point of failure... it seems to work great until the wire gains some age and some surface corrosion.. then that small contact patch really shines. Or arcs.
I prefer toggle, but I can see the benefits of a rocker. That said, I once had to replace a rocker that was loose. I don't know if it was broken as you describe in the video, but it wouldn't hold in the on position.
My home is approximately 35 years old and most of the switches are toggle. I have replaced about 3 switches with the rocker type and like the look / feel of the rocker. I have one toggle that still works but the plastic toggle is very loose and jiggly might be time for a replacement? I think I would prefer the rocker type if I were to replace existing switches in my house today. I don't mind the cost difference but were I to work in the residential electrical industry I would think twice as it's a big cost difference.
It seems like rockers are more popular nowadays, but I still prefer the toggles. Even though rockers are more expensive, something about them just seems cheap to me. It's probably because my first experience with rocker switches was in a mobile home, and everything in one of those is super cheap.
Great vid..thank you. I'm wondering if the toggle contact inside is better than in the rocker. Looks like there is more area of contact in the toggle...and wondering if that makes for a better connect of power. ? I'm having issues with our outdoor Christmas lights on a 20amp circuit. I know I'm near or at the limit the circuit can handle, but even still I get a flash/spark with the New 20A rocker. Maybe the toggle has a better contact patch..?? Thoughts..?
Leviton and Cooper Ind. are the 2 most common on the market.... (leviton= Home Depot, Cooper= Lowes) Eaton is mostly sold commercially, and through independant dealers. the price difference is due to demand and style... toggle has been around for 100 years and the decora is alot newer... 1950's+.
Thanks for the feedback John. Good to know you see Cooper at Lowe's as our local Lowe's carries predominantly Eaton. Lowe's might align with different brands regionally so it could change across the US.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs possibility.... lowes will stock local stores based on availibilty of brand product... I see Cooper Ind. here in Idaho, but that can change if their purchasing department makes changes...worked in hardware retail for 10 years, know all about how this type business runs...
Cooper and Eaton are one in the same, as Eaton purchased Cooper several years ago. Any Cooper wiring devices you see sitting around are old stock at this point.
One of my rocker switch doesn’t work well, I know it must be some part that doesn’t touch properly, so I opened the case and the springer and copper piece fell off, and I have no idea how do them suppose to be placed, so I opened another one to check out, but the second one also fell off😅 then I found your vid, and figured out how to place the pieces properly, now I installed both rocker switch back and the broken one is working like a new one 🙏🏻 I want to thank you for this helpful vid you uploaded
My house has Decoras so that's what I replace them with. I think that they fail a lot, especially the 3-way versions which tend to go into a dead mode: sometimes I can't turn on the light with one of my 3-way switches because the other switch is stuck in the middle of its travel. But replacing light switches isn't a major drag.
That's a brand or a batch issue, not an inherent aspect of the design. My parents had a house built in 1974 using original Decora switches and receptacles. They differ from the later design by the switches not having a rim around the rocke, and by having vertical grooves on the receptacles. Those design details are obvious next to new parts and original parts are not available, so it's pretty easy to spot changes. The switch rim is a real improvement. The original design was cleaner and more elegant, but the rocker paddle would jam against the wall plate if the switch wasn't firmly mounted exactly square to the wall surface. Switch failures over time have been rare. A few switches were replaced because the aging neon lights ($$$ extra at the time) flickered annoyingly, but now most are just dark. Only one or two switches failed by going "soft" and not operating. Some of the receptacles failed with loose contacts and cracked faces. One even charred badly from the current drawn by a vacuum cleaner. The decorative groove proved to be a weak point for starting cracks, and cracks allow the contact wipers to spread. Even without cracks, the contacts lose their tension over time, just like cheap semi-round duplex receptacles. Every one of the accessible receptacles in the kitchen has been replaced over time, with none of the replacements failing.
Don't back stab on any switch and most clients I've had want me to put regular toggle switches in to get rid of the decor switches that fail constantly depending on the abuse like shown here with the plastic sometimes they completely fall apart too
Personally, I prefer the rocker style. I use ones that are lighted. Comes in handy when all the lights are out. I think the rocker style is just a much cleaner look. I also changed all my outlets to the decora style. I don't know what brand, but got them all at Lowe's. I have personal reasons why I never shop at Home Depot. No Menards in Idaho.
I personally like the rocker style switches, but I also planned to replace a number of switches with Caseta smart switches so when I redid my wiring it saved me a bunch of headaches from switching out plates and having half toggles half decora
If I am putting a new switch in old wiring, I like to put in the Decora style. That lets the next guy know that some work has been done, and be prepared.
The toggles are SO difficult to clean on properties we’ve purchased for rentals! It seems like rockers would be easier to clean? We’ve not replaced the switches, but it’s certainly something to consider. Any tips on how to clean filthy toggles? 🤮
I like the rockers for the "fashion" look, its cleaner, but the real advantage is the way the wire connects. I look for that in outlets too. I'll pay more for the convenience.
I sometimes turn toggle switches on and off by hitting them with plates full of food. They can really do that. I feel like the upgraded Leviton “preferred” switch is a little bit springier than the standard, and feels longer lasting, and probably is a little bit longer lasting on less amps than it was designed for. It isn’t one of those ugly 20 and 30 amp switches, so it looks like a household switch. I have never liked the decora switches.
I like the snappy feel you get with industrial toggle switches, you just can't get that with a rocker switch. Rocker switches feel cheap to me. I just wish you could get snappy action on the dimmer toggle switches, I think dimmer rocker switches have clear edge. If i could find an industrial feeling toggle switch with a dimmer, I would be 100% team toggle.
I made the move to decora because I wanted to add a timer to my bathroom fan and I have a ganged box (it's all or nothing). After living with it for a while I've found I prefer the aesthetics and feel of decora compared to the old toggles. p.s. Black cover plates with white decora switches looks cool.
I just put in rockers, replacing toggles in my house during a remodel. Did it for style, nothing else. Garage, and shed will remain toggles because its function and money over style.
Switched my first house over to Decora in 1996 and have used them ever since. It's a cheap upgrade to give your home a little more luxury feel. More recently I've been phasing in smart switches which are almost always decora look.
I don't like the rockers and always assumed installers were cheaping out by using those. The spring on rockers might be a bit too sensitive. Toggle switch, FTW!
From my experience, toggles can last at least decades and in the new house I'm living in, over 30% of the rockers had one pivoting side crack (15 years in). So that means toggles are both cheaper and more reliable. My grandparents' house had toggles from the 50s that still worked fine when the house was sold a year ago.
Toggle Switch: geni.us/m6AAzNt
Rocker Switch (Decora): geni.us/FN9EB2K
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In all my 61 years, I've never lived in a house or apartment with rocker switches. However, I am in the process of switching out all the toggles for rockers in our current house.
I replaced some outside garage light switches for smart switches and in one case had to add a rocker switch for the second switch in the box. I'm doing the same for our porch light, which will require a rocker for the entry light, and then for our backyard lights, will will require rockers for the other switches in the box. I will be converting the rest of the down stairs to rockers during the year.
When we had our master bathroom remodeled a couple of years ago, I converted the switches to rockers. I have to tell you, while I like rockers, it took me a long time to get use to them. Walking in, I would reach around the wall to turn on the light, I would always do it as if to turn on a toggle and I'd miss. Who knew a light switch could be so life changing. Lol
I built my house 34 years ago & used toggle switches. I purchased the cheap ones at a big box store, Payless Cashways. Have not ever had one to fail. Having a couple dozen left over from back then, I am now installing them in my new shop. Hope I get the same service out of them as before. I have noticed that the old switches seem to be of better construction than the ones for sale today.
That is a fair bet knowing how most things have transitioned to a cheaper build over the past 34 years. Enjoy the new shop 👍
I've been enjoying your content recently. I work in the electrical department of a home improvement retailer that sells Eaton. I really appreciate the content because I find it interesting to have an idea what's inside these things, which previously I never had seen. I will throw out one thing that I discovered that I thought was interesting... Eaton plugs and switches have wire strippers built into the mounting bracket! It's not something I typically share with customers because I encourage them to use the correct tools... but I thought it was kind of cool how much thought was put into the design of a $0.49 switch. And it explains why I sometimes feel sharp edges when I grab a handful of these to transfer into a newly-opened box. So if you ever need a wire stripper in a pinch, grab an Eaton device!
What brand do you recommend for decora?
We just purchased a brand new home in 15 December 2020. Every switch in the house is a rocker switch. Every switch in our previous home was a toggle switch. We are enjoying the switch (pun intended).
BAH DUM TSSS
Love your comparison videos - thank you for putting them out there! Some thoughts:
I prefer traditional toggles in dark locations I don't necessarily frequent. Generally on entering a room, I have a good sense for where the wall surface is - there's enough light approaching the doorway to know the location of the wall on the way through - but not necessarily the exact location of the switch on the dark side. With a toggle, I can just wave my hand across the right wall area and usually trip it in one sweep. With a rocker switch, if it's not a room I'm familiar enough to have muscle memory of the switch location, I'm patting/poking the wall a few times before I find it. I sometimes see a halo of smudges/handprints on the wall around rockers, but seldom around toggles.
So far as tripping switches with your elbow, I sometimes elbow toggle switches too, though only when there's enough light to see the switch, and not in dark locations I mentioned above. It's definitely more finicky than with rockers (with some fear of hitting your funny bone) but hasn't been a showstopper for me. For locations where this is a frequent need, I find I end up installing motion sensor switches instead, rendering it a moot point.
As for the wire attachment differences, that's not strictly a rocker vs. toggle difference.: the commercial grade toggle switch has the backwire plates too. I understand you're trying to keep things fair by comparing residential vs. residential, but there's a price difference there that's the same as the price difference between residential and commercial toggle switches. I think it'd be fair to compare $2 toggle vs $2 rocker. Both get you the same wire attachment, cost the same money, and it becomes literally a free choice between toggle and rocker. Then, what you trade for price for the other options, you've already covered in other videos.
"I prefer traditional toggles in dark locations I don't necessarily frequent. Generally on entering a room, I have a good sense for where the wall surface is - there's enough light approaching the doorway to know the location of the wall on the way through - but not necessarily the exact location of the switch on the dark side. With a toggle, I can just wave my hand across the right wall area and usually trip it in one sweep. With a rocker switch, if it's not a room I'm familiar enough to have muscle memory of the switch location, I'm patting/poking the wall a few times before I find it. I sometimes see a halo of smudges/handprints on the wall around rockers, but seldom around toggles.
"
This, a million times this. I hate hate HATE poking around in the dark for a rocker switch. Give me a toggle switch, it's cheaper and more functional. Win win. I couldn't care less about looks if looks come with the downside of being less functional.
I had rocker growing up. I always hated them. Toggle are objectively a superior way to hit a switch. My current home, which is pretty new, has toggles everywhere. Can enter a room and without looking always hit the switch first time.
Nice video with great descriptions!!! I grew up old school with the toggle switch. One thing I have personally witnessed in my 54 years on this lovely planet, ... your comment about the rocker failures. Their may have been a flaw during the production, ... but I’ve seen kids and adults hit these rocker switches. Their made with plastic components not military grade assault applications in mind. Some times it’s out of anger/frustration, ... but many times it’s from upbringing. (Whole different subject) It’s no different then when someone slams kitchen cabinet doors, stomps feet or throws tools!!!
I’m going to try these new rocker switches on my renovation projects as you brought up some interesting points!!!
Thanks again for your time and video and take care! Art
PS: The first time I ever through a wrench, my dad calmly told me to go pick it up and when I got back he only said one thing. (CALMLY) “you know when you throw something, ... you eventually have to go pick it up!!! don’t let the small things get to you!!!”
Your dad is a smart man. Wish I could be that smart!
One thing I've noticed is that when getting a 3-way switch, the toggle still has screw leads and the rocker has pigtails coming out of the switch. Personally, it's way easier to put wire nut on the pigtails than to mess with the toggle's screw terminals. I prefer the rocker but one big disadvantage is that it's harder to "dress" the wires and get them all pushed back since the rocker body takes up so much space.
I prefer toggle switches. I like seeing if the switch is off or on. Convenient for porch lights. Also knowing if the switch is off when removing a broken light bulb in socket
I like having dimmers, my favorite are the older style toggle dimmer switches with the light up rectangle around the switch.
I really enjoy these videos. Have you ever done a video on Wago 221 and 222 electrical connectors? If you haven't I would like to see your take on them.
Yes. I just came across them the other day. Recently I have been using Wall-Nuts. Much cleaner, neater and quicker than the old wire nuts.
Replaced all switches and receptacles in my home 17 years ago with Decora style. No issues.
If I was changing all the switches particularly with the aim to sell I would use Decora but I have an old house with all Toggles so I use those.
💯
I swapped a toggle for a rocker over 20 years ago for a high activity light. Still works great. I specifically wanted it because of the elbow thing, always carrying something when I needed to turn that light. All other switched in my small house are duplex. Rockers are made for duplex, but the buttons are too small for elbows.
Thanks for this! I just bought a house and all the outlets and switches are mismatched and different. Drives my OCD crazy.
I grew up in homes with toggle switches and I like the look. I've replaced 60 year old toggles and I've replaced 15 year old Decora switches, toggles last longer and they are cheaper to replace.
Great video. Answered the exact question I had...which is "what's the difference?" My gas fireplace has the millivolt system and uses a standard wall switch. Fireplace became "flakey" and would sometimes have a delayed start....or no start...or would work normally. I realize that the thermopile is probably a little dirty and maybe not optimal...but when I removed the switch and shorted the wires directly...the fire starts every time, instantly...thus, the problem is the switch (resistance). I was wondering if there is a type of wall switch which would have better reliability/longevity...I guess whichever has a snappier contact or stronger spring would assure a better contact over time....likely dust or corrosion on the contacts is the culprit in my case...I guess move of a sliding contact would be nice and self-clean...but I don't believe these are used for wall switches.... No big deal. Selling the home now...I'll replace the switch and move-on...
Used a double rocker in a single gang box and it failed after 10 years or so. The only toggle I ever had that failed was an original in my 1920 house. Back then, most houses used pushbutton switches, but the man who had this house built went for the "modern" toggles. I actually liked the look of the pushbuttons and bought originals off of ebay to replaced the toggles on the main floor. My current home was built in 1955 and it's toggles all the way.
Rocker switches do break more often than the toggles. I do apartment maintenance.
6:50
Thanks for sharing, this was VERY HELPFUL!!
The other case I have seen for rocker switches is for seniors or other people that may not have the best fine motor control can use rockers more reliably. Similar to your comment about hitting the switch with your hands full
Good point, thanks for sharing 👍
I like toggles for bedrooms because you can shut them off silently by pinching and raising it up, while I like rocker switches for other rooms for convenience, but they are impossible to shut off silently due to their mechanism.
Interesting how a standard toggle and rocker are so different! Not sure if I should be more surprised that the toggle doesn't have the straight clamp-downs or that the rocker does. I do like to use rockers in new installations and anywhere they are a better fit appearance wise (like in my bathroom in a 3-gang with a GFCI outlet and a humidity controlled fan timer). Back when I bought my (1950's) house 15 years ago one of the first things I did was swap every outlet, switch and faceplate since they were a mixed grab bag of colors and ages. I used toggles, but if I had it to do over again today I'd probably go with rockers since the plates were already being replaced too.
The one you can wirelessly control with a nerf gun.
Thanks again. Great information, clearly presented.
I've got about 20 rockers switches in our house, all are about 20 years now and never had any problems with them. Never had any of them break as you described.
Thanks for the feedback!
Same. The people who have had these break on them punch or slap the switch so hard that it's bound to break. I've seen both adults and kids (excusable) slap the switches as if they were cavemen.
What is the brand? Thx.
@@anonymous.369 Leviton Decora
@@Bob_Betker thanks for the reply.
As I mentioned on your disassembly of the Decora switch the pivot area on my Decora switch had to be lubricated with Teflon spray dry lube after only 10 months use in a bathroom (heavy use ) as the activation effort really increased. If you have rental properties (or just for preventive maintenance ) you may want to spray the switches annually to help prevent failures since you have experienced them . It also appears that the contact pressure is greater with the old style switch which may be important for circuits that have a lot of lights on it or is used on a high current draw item like a heavy duty garbage disposal. Also on an old style switch disassembly I noticed a lite coat of grease on a round pivot point. Since the rocker is easily pried out of a Decora switch I wonder if putting a bit of plastic safe grease (like silicon) on it would be a good idea especially on high use ones. I will try it if the dry lube does not last.
When I was a kid, I used to try to balance the toggle switch at the halfway point...how bad of an idea was that? I've been wondering, since learning more about switches from this channel as well as Technology Connections
Not good 😂. It can increase the arcing between contacts and eventually lead to failure. With that said if that is the worst you did as a kid I think all is good 👍
@@EverydayHomeRepairs ahaha thanks!! I was thinking the arcing could have done worse. Glad nothing happened hahah
@@EverydayHomeRepairs I wasn’t the only one to do that. I did that long time ago and it would crackle and arc inside, after that I stopped doing that.
Rocker all the way. Thank you for all the great info
You bet!
My house has toggle switches. Great video!
Thanks!
I normally use white toggle for older updated homes to keep the consistent look. The rocker can look a bit too "contemporary" in older home if you want to maintain that old world charm. For kitchen with recessed lights, that's where I would consider using a rocker (dimmer) for recessed light
I prefer rockers whenever possible, which is 99% of the time. But sometimes you basically have no choice but to use toggles. Case in point, you can get single & double polished brass cover plates, but a triple Decora polished brass plate? Good luck with that! But polished brass triple cover plate for toggles are typically stocked items at Lowe’s etc.
Also, toggles are better for illuminated switches, illuminated rockers look terrible.
In any other way (appearance, dimmers, cleaning, etc) rockers win hands down.
You don't need to pre-bend the hooks to wire the device. There is a raised lip around the depression around the screw so that it can grab the end of your stripped wire and you can bend the wire around the screw. Tighten the screw then trim the end if necessary. Once you get used to it it's waaaay faster than trying to pre-bend a hook tight enough to work but not so tight that you can't get it around the screw. Let the screw form the hook that it wants.
Most modern houses these days have rocker switches, including mine. Older ones have toggles.
i use Rocker it looks better with new build house or condo
I like the rocker switches and good video and think you I’m always learning a lot and I’m a jack of all trades so the more I learn the better I am.
You and me both. Thanks for the support 👍
You are welcome.
Have you mutilated any switches or outlets figuring out the least destructive way to open them?
I replaced the toggles in my kitchen for rockers, one issue I ran into is that since the decorative plate screws are closer to the edge, I had to drill little holes in the ceramic so the screw wouldn't hit the ceramic and prevent me from screwing them all the way in. Same with receptacles, which the old ones only had one screw in the middle.
I used stainless steel decorative plate with black switches/receptacles, that looks really good next to my Stainless steel appliances.
My sister has one of those decora switches with the built in dimmer in her kitchen. She moved into her house in 2001 and the bezel was just starting to break like the one in your picture. She has the same switch to this day and I'm surprised it's lasted this long.
I’m thinking about rocker switches so I can keep my expensive cover plates if I decide to install smart switches in the future. I have only seen smart switches in the decora design.
Yep, pretty much all smart switches are going to be compatible with Decora plates opposed to standard. Also nice to use the same for switches and receptacles 👍
I’ve had to replace under year old rockers due a nice electrical bacon sizzle when actuating them. They still worked, but that’s a no-go for me
Thanks for the feedback. Do you know the brand?
@@EverydayHomeRepairs I believe it was Eaton, from a supply house.
I've replaced 2 rockers where the pivot broke off. The leviton replacement seems a little sturdier but time will tell. I didn't install or choose the original ones that broke. I still prefer them though so I can elbow the switch while carrying cats. (first world problems)
It's easier to train the dog to turn off the light on command with the rocker switch.
I always put in lever door knobs for the same reason.
It's important.
Toggle for me. I personally like the look more and they make less sound. I actually switched out my rocker to a toggle. Now the rest are rockers since I can only do it In my room.
Thank you for the info. The rocker switch broke just as you described, the plastic plate broke.
in UK I think the hardware store actually sells replacement switch plates..
and the push in and screw down rather than wind works great..
I put rocker in my home. I have to wonder how hard the hit the rocker to get it to break out of the cradle. My wife likes the rocker because the toggle switch, if not used a lot, will gather dust and dirt and it is not as easy to clean.
Love your videos man.
There's not much performance difference between these. You can get either version in side wire, backstab, and pressure connector. So it all comes down to esthetics.
Might even be able to argue that going with decora everything in a home, is a good way to simplify finding faceplates that fit your applications. No more having to get weird combinations of 2 duplex, 1 switch for a 3 gang plate. Just get however many gangs you need in decora.
The other cost consideration is the wall plate cover. The cheap ones have the screws exposed. Chances are if you're stepping up to a rocker switch, you probably will be spending at least another $2-5 for a hidden screw version. Obviously a win from an ADA standpoint as someone in a residential setting will likely benefit over a 20-30 year lifespan of a switch.
I wanted hidden screw covers, but I couldn't bring myself to pay more for the covers than the devices.
When I have to replace a switch, I go with Leviton Professional Heavy Duty. More money, but I will never outlive the switch. And my recent replacement of two 3 way switches was because the 33 year old ones were causing my 2 new LED Panel kitchen lights to flicker.
3 Way switches fail far more frequently than single pole.
I prefer Rocker over toggle. Our kids have broke several toggle switches off being careless. Since switching to Rocker , no broken switches. When my mother would visit she found it harder to use toggle since she had bad arthritis.
I had a rocker fail - the rocker fell off. I replaced it with a toggle switch. My daughter complained that it was ugly and I had to replace it with a new rocker. :-)
I have never replaced any normal switches. I have replaced Toggle rocker switches, because of the problem you mentioned. I have replaced dual switches, that fit into the space of an outlet. I would like a comparison on those switches (I spend about $5 on those). Also I would be interested in a comparison on a combo switch/outlet that fits into an outlet configuration. Thanks...Jim
PS......these are for remodel use.....they come in very handy.
Another advantage to the toggle switch is that it can use the same wall plate as the receptacle of the same design as opposed to the rocker which the wall plates for the switch and receptacle are completely different.
I think you mean the rocker switch has that advantage ... same rectangular cut out wall plate as the outlets.
The internal engineering on the rocker is clearly better. Fewer parts and the contact mechanism is less prone to wear. I love the rocker for end user functionality as well. If you mount it flush, you can swipe at the wall in the direction you want the light to go and it happens... No unfortunate stubs of the forearm or fingers. Especially convenient in dark rooms that need light.
Perhaps the best thing about "decora" (rockers) is that you can use the same wall plate for outlets and switches.
As a retired materials engineer, it always bugs me when manufacturers use plastics on highly stressed components, like hinges, etc. I do enjoy your component dissections!
Bought a house built in 1992. When I remodel a room or add LED-compliant dimmer switches I "upgrade" all the room switches to rocker switches. Must admit when carrying in groceries it is nice to elbow the switch ON.
I have been in the process of fixing up my old condo, and since the light switches were all very dirty and difficult to clean, I decided to just replace them all. I went with rockers because not only do they look nicer, but they are more accessible - the condo was originally designed for ADA accessibility, and if I were to rent it out to someone with limited mobility, it would be much easier for them to operate. Also, the building was built to an older code, which meant that while all the boxes had ground wires, none of the existing switches had ground connectors, and an outlet behind the washing machine was not GFCI protected either.
According to Sparky ungrounded switches are to code on old work as long as you have faceplates without screws.
I like Decora switches mainly in situations where a locator light is helpful. The Decora with locator light on the switch at the top of my basement stairs is very useful.
Eaton toggles are closer to a dollar. That’s what I put in my kitchen for the range hood and the disposal. Eaton specifies that they are suitable for motor control. That’s another aspect worth discussing.
Thanks for the feedback. I think like most building materials the cost has been steadily increasing over the past 6-12 months.
People say that the rockers look nicer, but I honestly don't see that. Both look like light switches to me. If anything, toggles look "normal" and rockers look "fussy." I prefer toggles, anyway, both because of the cost and because they are harder to accidentally switch on or off. Nice video.
The IoT switches (caseta, etc) are all rocker style, so you get mixed switch types if some are rocker and some are toggles
I like the look and the feel of the standard toggle switches. I've always disliked the decora switches...I don't think they look nice and aren't as satisfying to use.
50 cents for a toggle switch? In Finland they are 50 euros. The are considered special retro stuff.
My question for you and the audience is, can you use Rocker switches with standard duplex outlets? I prefer the look of the rocker switch but am not a huge fan of the look of the decor receptacles.
We use dimmer switches. Absolutely love them over regular switches.
Ditto. Especially the digital ones like Lutron's Maestro series. In our bedroom, we got Maestro dimmers with IR remote controls, so we can control them from the bed, which is really convenient.
I prefer the convenience of being able to tap a rocker switch vs grabbing or swiping across a toggle. (Never thought much about it before I found myself with both hands in splints.) The floating contact in the rocker is possibly more susceptible to corrosion, and the spring contact in the toggle may be susceptible to "cold forming," but assuming reasonable current loads, these are both nothingburgers - either switch should have mechanical failure in the plastic bits before the contacts go high resistance.
First let me say that I like your video (except for too loud music) but I find your criticism of the wire push in feature a little unconvincing. This connection has constant spring pressure against the wire that will compensate for expansion and contraction of the metal components with temperature change, this feature is especially important where aluminum wiring has been used where loosening of screw connections can cause arcing and the possbility of fire (which has happened). This is why aluminum wiring is now very uncommon but still exists in some buildings. The main drawback that I see with the push in is that there is a much smaller metal contact area than the screw connection.
I agree on the music being too loud.
A majority of the failed outlets I have needed to replace were backstabbed, and that was the point of failure... it seems to work great until the wire gains some age and some surface corrosion.. then that small contact patch really shines. Or arcs.
@@mattfleming86 agreed. I have 3 broken, all were backstabbed.
I prefer toggle, but I can see the benefits of a rocker. That said, I once had to replace a rocker that was loose. I don't know if it was broken as you describe in the video, but it wouldn't hold in the on position.
Yeah, in terms of switches failing I think rockers have a higher failure rate but I am sure some brands are better than others.
Hey that's the Google Nest screwdriver you're using in this video. :)
My home is approximately 35 years old and most of the switches are toggle. I have replaced about 3 switches with the rocker type and like the look / feel of the rocker. I have one toggle that still works but the plastic toggle is very loose and jiggly might be time for a replacement? I think I would prefer the rocker type if I were to replace existing switches in my house today. I don't mind the cost difference but were I to work in the residential electrical industry I would think twice as it's a big cost difference.
Appreciate the feedback!
I prefer the old toggle switches. The only advantage i can really see to the rocker switches is if your hands are full they would be easier to hit.
It seems like rockers are more popular nowadays, but I still prefer the toggles. Even though rockers are more expensive, something about them just seems cheap to me. It's probably because my first experience with rocker switches was in a mobile home, and everything in one of those is super cheap.
Oh man, yeah those can feel like the switch will fall apart just by touching it.
Great vid..thank you. I'm wondering if the toggle contact inside is better than in the rocker. Looks like there is more area of contact in the toggle...and wondering if that makes for a better connect of power. ? I'm having issues with our outdoor Christmas lights on a 20amp circuit. I know I'm near or at the limit the circuit can handle, but even still I get a flash/spark with the New 20A rocker. Maybe the toggle has a better contact patch..?? Thoughts..?
I would like the rocker switch because it offers the back wiring option. My hands aren’t strong enough to make loops in the wire.
I'm an old rocker but not when it comes to switches....lol
🤘
Big fan of the rockers. I swapped out all the switches in my investment property, but have yet to change out the switches in my primary home.
Leviton and Cooper Ind. are the 2 most common on the market.... (leviton= Home Depot, Cooper= Lowes) Eaton is mostly sold commercially, and through independant dealers. the price difference is due to demand and style... toggle has been around for 100 years and the decora is alot newer... 1950's+.
Thanks for the feedback John. Good to know you see Cooper at Lowe's as our local Lowe's carries predominantly Eaton. Lowe's might align with different brands regionally so it could change across the US.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs possibility.... lowes will stock local stores based on availibilty of brand product... I see Cooper Ind. here in Idaho, but that can change if their purchasing department makes changes...worked in hardware retail for 10 years, know all about how this type business runs...
Cooper and Eaton are one in the same, as Eaton purchased Cooper several years ago. Any Cooper wiring devices you see sitting around are old stock at this point.
@@golferguyjake28 and Eaton purchased Eagle Electric years ago thus bringing in the cooper brand... man how the electrical industry has changed!
One of my rocker switch doesn’t work well, I know it must be some part that doesn’t touch properly, so I opened the case and the springer and copper piece fell off, and I have no idea how do them suppose to be placed, so I opened another one to check out, but the second one also fell off😅 then I found your vid, and figured out how to place the pieces properly, now I installed both rocker switch back and the broken one is working like a new one 🙏🏻 I want to thank you for this helpful vid you uploaded
My house has Decoras so that's what I replace them with. I think that they fail a lot, especially the 3-way versions which tend to go into a dead mode: sometimes I can't turn on the light with one of my 3-way switches because the other switch is stuck in the middle of its travel. But replacing light switches isn't a major drag.
That's a brand or a batch issue, not an inherent aspect of the design.
My parents had a house built in 1974 using original Decora switches and receptacles. They differ from the later design by the switches not having a rim around the rocke, and by having vertical grooves on the receptacles. Those design details are obvious next to new parts and original parts are not available, so it's pretty easy to spot changes.
The switch rim is a real improvement. The original design was cleaner and more elegant, but the rocker paddle would jam against the wall plate if the switch wasn't firmly mounted exactly square to the wall surface.
Switch failures over time have been rare. A few switches were replaced because the aging neon lights ($$$ extra at the time) flickered annoyingly, but now most are just dark. Only one or two switches failed by going "soft" and not operating.
Some of the receptacles failed with loose contacts and cracked faces. One even charred badly from the current drawn by a vacuum cleaner. The decorative groove proved to be a weak point for starting cracks, and cracks allow the contact wipers to spread. Even without cracks, the contacts lose their tension over time, just like cheap semi-round duplex receptacles. Every one of the accessible receptacles in the kitchen has been replaced over time, with none of the replacements failing.
standard toggles great for all those funny and cool wallplates
Don't back stab on any switch and most clients I've had want me to put regular toggle switches in to get rid of the decor switches that fail constantly depending on the abuse like shown here with the plastic sometimes they completely fall apart too
Personally, I prefer the rocker style. I use ones that are lighted. Comes in handy when all the lights are out. I think the rocker style is just a much cleaner look. I also changed all my outlets to the decora style. I don't know what brand, but got them all at Lowe's. I have personal reasons why I never shop at Home Depot. No Menards in Idaho.
I personally like the rocker style switches, but I also planned to replace a number of switches with Caseta smart switches so when I redid my wiring it saved me a bunch of headaches from switching out plates and having half toggles half decora
If I am putting a new switch in old wiring, I like to put in the Decora style. That lets the next guy know that some work has been done, and be prepared.
Here's a good question: Why do some Switch/Outlet Combos have a pilot light?
I’ve replaced like 5 rockers where the frame around the pivot or the pivot itself wears down, stretches over time, or just straight up cracks.
Isn't it more important for a switch to snap open, not closed? It's more likely to arc after current is flowing
True which is why in the industrial power business some switches are designated "load break" because the can handle the arcing.
The toggles are SO difficult to clean on properties we’ve purchased for rentals! It seems like rockers would be easier to clean? We’ve not replaced the switches, but it’s certainly something to consider. Any tips on how to clean filthy toggles? 🤮
I like the rockers for the "fashion" look, its cleaner, but the real advantage is the way the wire connects. I look for that in outlets too. I'll pay more for the convenience.
Agree, I think the back wire feature is a big plus for us DIYers.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs Pun intended?
I replaced my toggles with toggles. I didn't get the cheap ones tho, I got the $3.00 ones.
Why did you just leave us hanging at the end with the newly packaged larger rocker??
I sometimes turn toggle switches on and off by hitting them with plates full of food. They can really do that. I feel like the upgraded Leviton “preferred” switch is a little bit springier than the standard, and feels longer lasting, and probably is a little bit longer lasting on less amps than it was designed for. It isn’t one of those ugly 20 and 30 amp switches, so it looks like a household switch. I have never liked the decora switches.
I like the snappy feel you get with industrial toggle switches, you just can't get that with a rocker switch. Rocker switches feel cheap to me. I just wish you could get snappy action on the dimmer toggle switches, I think dimmer rocker switches have clear edge. If i could find an industrial feeling toggle switch with a dimmer, I would be 100% team toggle.
The toggle switches are builders grade and the rocker switches is a quiet switch.
I made the move to decora because I wanted to add a timer to my bathroom fan and I have a ganged box (it's all or nothing). After living with it for a while I've found I prefer the aesthetics and feel of decora compared to the old toggles.
p.s. Black cover plates with white decora switches looks cool.
In my work areas (shop, etc) I love black toggle onna white face place. It is high contrast and much easier to find vs all white or all black.
I just put in rockers, replacing toggles in my house during a remodel. Did it for style, nothing else. Garage, and shed will remain toggles because its function and money over style.
Switched my first house over to Decora in 1996 and have used them ever since. It's a cheap upgrade to give your home a little more luxury feel. More recently I've been phasing in smart switches which are almost always decora look.
I don't like the rockers and always assumed installers were cheaping out by using those. The spring on rockers might be a bit too sensitive. Toggle switch, FTW!
Please make a video on how to unclog kitchen sink water backup/clog next
From my experience, toggles can last at least decades and in the new house I'm living in, over 30% of the rockers had one pivoting side crack (15 years in). So that means toggles are both cheaper and more reliable. My grandparents' house had toggles from the 50s that still worked fine when the house was sold a year ago.
What brand of rockers did you have fail?
@@livelovelifeyall Pass & Seymour from 2007). New replacements are Leviton.