What Carling Contura Rocker Switch Part Number Do You Need?

Carling V-Series switches are described by a full 14 unit part number, which get’s quite confusing.  Luckily, most vendors can get the switch you need with only the first 4 digits (including us!).

1st digit – V-series always starts with a “V”

2^nd digit – The function type, describes if you want an ON-OFF, (ON)-OFF, ON-OFF-ON, etc.  The “(ON)” with parentheses around it is a pretty standard way to describe a momentary function (like a horn).

3^rd digit – The switch rating… typically for marine use is a “D” for 20A, 12Vdc.  Note, the actual switch mechanism can typically be used at higher voltages (even 120Vac), but the lamp is the limiting factor.

4^th digit – The terminal and barrier style, typically a .250” TAB for a quick disconnect connector.  For .250 TAB, you should see a 1, 2, A, B, J or K.  The barriers are little pieces of plastic that separate the terminals… I typically recommend no barriers if you use insulated connectors.

Here is the full part number spec sheet from Carling (click to see it bigger):

About the Carling Contura Rocker Switch

Many people have questions about the terms we use when discussing New Wire Marine’s line of labeled Carling Contura V-series Rocker Switches...  So here’s an overview of this great switch:

Carling Technologies created a rocker switch called “contura” and it quickly became the go-to rocker switch for many industries including marine use.  Several other brands now manufacture contura style switches as well (all are pretty much interchangeable with each other), but nearly all major boat manufacturers now use this style switch.

These little guys come in many combinations including different actuators styles, poles, throws, lighting options, lighting type, voltage rating, terminal style, barrier style, etc.

The switch has two parts a Switch Body, and an Actuator (shown below).  The actuator snaps onto the body to create an entire switch combo.  All V-series contura actuators are interchangeable with all switch bodies.

The switch body:

The switch actuator:

The actuator can pop off easily with a tool like this, or if you pull it pretty hard it will snap off as well… I wouldn’t do this too many times though or risk breaking the latch, especially with an older switch.