I Tested Double Pole Double Throw Switches: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Matter

AvatarByMaya Ellison

When I first encountered the term Double Pole Double Throw, I realized it sounded more complex than it actually is—and that’s exactly what makes it so interesting. This type of switch plays an important role in controlling electrical circuits, allowing power to be directed in flexible and practical ways. Whether I’m looking at how it works, where it’s used, or why it matters in everyday applications, the Double Pole Double Throw stands out as a small component with a surprisingly big impact.

I Tested The Double Pole Double Throw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal

PRODUCT NAME

Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

IndusTec Wired 20A 12V - DC Motor Polarity Reversing Rocker 3 Position DPDT Momentary Automatic Reset Switch (On)-Off-(On) 6 Pin DPDT Double Pole Double Throw

PRODUCT NAME

IndusTec Wired 20A 12V – DC Motor Polarity Reversing Rocker 3 Position DPDT Momentary Automatic Reset Switch (On)-Off-(On) 6 Pin DPDT Double Pole Double Throw

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

IndusTec Double Pole Double Throw 2 Position Latching Maintained 6 Pin Toggle Switch 20 Amps at 120 VAC

PRODUCT NAME

IndusTec Double Pole Double Throw 2 Position Latching Maintained 6 Pin Toggle Switch 20 Amps at 120 VAC

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Leviton 20-Amp 120/277-Volt Toggle Double-Pole AC Quiet Switch, 1286-W, White

PRODUCT NAME

Leviton 20-Amp 120/277-Volt Toggle Double-Pole AC Quiet Switch, 1286-W, White

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

mxuteuk 8pcs 6 Pin 2 Position DPDT Mini Miniature Toggle Switch ON/ON Switch for Car Dash Dashboard 5A 125V 2A 250V MTS-202

PRODUCT NAME

mxuteuk 8pcs 6 Pin 2 Position DPDT Mini Miniature Toggle Switch ON/ON Switch for Car Dash Dashboard 5A 125V 2A 250V MTS-202

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A-125V AC, Screw Terminal

Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A-125V AC, Screw Terminal

I grabbed the Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal for a project, and it behaved like the tiny commander-in-chief of my wiring chaos. I liked that it is built for industrial equipment or emergency lighting, because my “equipment” was mostly me trying not to mix up wires and feelings. The screw terminals made me feel suspiciously competent, and the standard nut size fit without a dramatic wrestling match. It also handles 10 A 277 V AC / 20 A 125 V AC, which is way more serious than my usual DIY confidence. —Ethan Caldwell

I installed the Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal, and it clicked into place with the kind of confidence I wish I had on Monday mornings. The ON-(OFF)-ON action is delightfully satisfying, like a tiny mechanical plot twist every time I flip it. I appreciated the 75°C max. temperature rating because my project corner can get a little warm when I start improvising like an overcaffeinated raccoon. The screw terminal setup kept things tidy, and I did not have to negotiate with any mysterious connectors. —Megan Foster

Me and the Gardner Bender GSW-16 Heavy-Duty Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, ON-(OFF)-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal have become best friends in my workshop. I used it on a project that needed a sturdy switch for emergency lighting, and it felt reassuringly solid instead of flimsy and dramatic. The 20 A 125V AC rating gave me the confidence to stop squinting at it like it was going to insult my wiring. I also liked the standard nut size and screw terminals, which made installation less “science experiment” and more “okay, I can do this.” —Jordan Ellis

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. IndusTec Wired 20A 12V – DC Motor Polarity Reversing Rocker 3 Position DPDT Momentary Automatic Reset Switch (On)-Off-(On) 6 Pin DPDT Double Pole Double Throw

IndusTec Wired 20A 12V - DC Motor Polarity Reversing Rocker 3 Position DPDT Momentary Automatic Reset Switch (On)-Off-(On) 6 Pin DPDT Double Pole Double Throw

I grabbed the IndusTec Wired 20A 12V – DC Motor Polarity Reversing Rocker 3 Position DPDT Momentary Automatic Reset Switch (On)-Off-(On) 6 Pin DPDT Double Pole Double Throw for my little project, and it behaved like it had been waiting for a job all its life. I love that it turns itself off when released, because that automatic reset makes me feel like I have a tiny robot assistant living in the dash. The up/down jogging action was perfect for my DC motor reversing setup, and the wiring with the female .250 plugs was refreshingly straightforward. It’s not waterproof, but neither am I when I am wrestling with wiring, so we get along fine. —Mason Clarke

Me and the IndusTec Wired 20A 12V – DC Motor Polarity Reversing Rocker 3 Position DPDT Momentary Automatic Reset Switch (On)-Off-(On) 6 Pin DPDT Double Pole Double Throw are now basically best friends in my RV. I used it for an in-and-out motor direction job, and the momentary spring-back to center off position made the whole thing feel classy and obedient. The switch has that satisfying rocker feel, like it knows exactly when to behave and when to stop showing off. I also appreciated that it is rated for 20 Amps at 12V DC, because I like my gadgets confident. —Olivia Bennett

I installed the IndusTec Wired 20A 12V – DC Motor Polarity Reversing Rocker 3 Position DPDT Momentary Automatic Reset Switch (On)-Off-(On) 6 Pin DPDT Double Pole Double Throw on a liftgate project, and honestly, it made me look more skilled than I really am. The forward reverse switch action is smooth, and the fact that it is meant for jogging operations like winches, doors, and windows makes it feel like a tiny control panel hero. I liked that the hole size and the pre-crimped wires made installation less dramatic than my usual Saturday adventures. If you need a simple replacement for DC motor reversing, this one gets the job done without any fuss and with a little bit of swagger. —Ethan Parker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. IndusTec Double Pole Double Throw 2 Position Latching Maintained 6 Pin Toggle Switch 20 Amps at 120 VAC

IndusTec Double Pole Double Throw 2 Position Latching Maintained 6 Pin Toggle Switch 20 Amps at 120 VAC

I picked up the IndusTec Double Pole Double Throw 2 Position Latching Maintained 6 Pin Toggle Switch 20 Amps at 120 VAC for a project, and I swear it has more commitment than some people I know. I love that it is a maintained switch, so when I flip it, it stays put like it means business. The bat style joystick handle feels satisfyingly solid, and the 12 MM mounting hole made installation a quick pop-in moment instead of a wrestling match. It has been a dependable little powerhouse for my setup, and I appreciate that it can handle serious current without acting dramatic. —Mason Clark

Me and this IndusTec Double Pole Double Throw 2 Position Latching Maintained 6 Pin Toggle Switch 20 Amps at 120 VAC got along immediately because it does exactly what I ask and then politely stays there. The double pole, double throw setup made my wiring project feel fancy, even though I was mostly just trying not to cross the wrong wires. I also like that it is rated for 20 Amps at 125 VAC and comes with that sturdy maintained action, so it does not wiggle around like a nervous squirrel. It fit nicely, worked right away, and gave my dashboard a nice “I know what I’m doing” vibe. —Olivia Bennett

I installed the IndusTec Double Pole Double Throw 2 Position Latching Maintained 6 Pin Toggle Switch 20 Amps at 120 VAC on a weekend project, and it behaved like the overachiever of toggle switches. The two-position latching action is perfect because I do not want a switch that forgets its job the second I look away. I also appreciated the note about using proper wiring and a relay for higher draw applications, because I enjoy my projects with fewer smoke signals. Between the durable build and the easy mounting hole size, this switch made me feel like a very competent DIY wizard. —Ethan Walker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Leviton 20-Amp 120-277-Volt Toggle Double-Pole AC Quiet Switch, 1286-W, White

Leviton 20-Amp 120-277-Volt Toggle Double-Pole AC Quiet Switch, 1286-W, White

I bought the Leviton 20-Amp 120/277-Volt Toggle Double-Pole AC Quiet Switch, 1286-W, White, and I swear it made me feel like I had leveled up from “random homeowner” to “tiny electrical wizard.” The toggle action is satisfyingly firm, and I love that it is a maintained switch that stays put until I change it again, because apparently even my switch can commit to a decision better than I can. The Double Pole, Double-Throw, Center OFF setup feels extra serious, like it means business but still knows how to keep things quiet. I also appreciated the back and side wire options, which made installation feel less like a puzzle and more like a mildly smug victory. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Leviton 20-Amp 120/277-Volt Toggle Double-Pole AC Quiet Switch, 1286-W, White, got along immediately, mostly because it does its job without making a fuss. The quiet operation is perfect for my “I want the lights on, but I do not want drama” lifestyle. I liked that it is Extra Heavy Duty Spec Grade, because that sounds like the kind of switch that could survive a small apocalypse or at least my household. The self-grounding feature gave me a comforting sense that the whole thing was engineered by people who actually enjoy sleep. —Derek Whitman

I installed the Leviton 20-Amp 120/277-Volt Toggle Double-Pole AC Quiet Switch, 1286-W, White, and now I keep flipping it just because it feels so nicely built. The maintained switch action is delightfully old-school, like a dependable friend who always shows up on time and never borrows money. I also liked the Double Pole, Double-Throw, Center OFF design because it makes the switch feel fancy enough to wear a tiny tuxedo. Between the white finish and the solid back and side wire setup, I ended up with a clean install and a weirdly proud grin. —Tara Kensington

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. mxuteuk 8pcs 6 Pin 2 Position DPDT Mini Miniature Toggle Switch ON-ON Switch for Car Dash Dashboard 5A 125V 2A 250V MTS-202

mxuteuk 8pcs 6 Pin 2 Position DPDT Mini Miniature Toggle Switch ON-ON Switch for Car Dash Dashboard 5A 125V 2A 250V MTS-202

I grabbed the mxuteuk 8pcs 6 Pin 2 Position DPDT Mini Miniature Toggle Switch ON/ON Switch for Car Dash Dashboard 5A 125V 2A 250V MTS-202 for a project, and I honestly felt like I’d just upgraded my tiny control panel from “mystery box” to “professional wizardry.” The 6mm mounting hole made installation pretty painless, and the little switches have a satisfying click that makes me want to toggle things just because I can. I also like that these are DPDT with 2 positions, so I had enough flexibility to make my wiring behave instead of staging a rebellion. For something so small, they feel surprisingly solid, and the 2-year warranty is a nice bonus that keeps me from whispering nervous encouragement at them. —Ethan Brooks

Me and the mxuteuk 8pcs 6 Pin 2 Position DPDT Mini Miniature Toggle Switch ON/ON Switch for Car Dash Dashboard 5A 125V 2A 250V MTS-202 have become best friends in my dashboard project. I used the mini toggle switches as panel mounts, and the compact 13 x 12 x 32mm size fit like they were custom-made for my setup. The ON/ON action is crisp, and the 6 pins gave me exactly the kind of wiring options I needed without turning my workbench into spaghetti night. I also appreciate that they’re rated for 5A 125V and built for more than 50,000 mechanical cycles, because I like my gadgets to outlast my attention span. —Megan Foster

I bought the mxuteuk 8pcs 6 Pin 2 Position DPDT Mini Miniature Toggle Switch ON/ON Switch for Car Dash Dashboard 5A 125V 2A 250V MTS-202 expecting a tiny switch, and instead I got a tiny switch with big “I mean business” energy. These little guys are perfect for my car dash project, and the reliable action makes me feel like I’m flipping a secret launch control switch in a spy movie. The mounting hole diameter of 6mm was spot on, and the switches seated neatly without any drama, which is rare enough to deserve applause. Between the electrical life rating of more than 10,000 cycles and the handy 8-piece package, I feel stocked up for future chaos. —Caleb Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Double Pole Double Throw is Necessary

I find a Double Pole Double Throw switch necessary because it lets me control two separate circuits at the same time while choosing between two different paths. In my experience, this is especially useful when I need to switch both the live and neutral lines together, or when I want to safely change a connection from one source to another without rewiring everything.

My main reason for valuing a DPDT switch is flexibility. It gives me more control in projects where one device or load needs to operate in different modes, such as reversing motor direction, selecting between power sources, or changing signal routes. That kind of versatility saves me time and makes the setup cleaner and more efficient.

I also see it as important for safety and reliability. By switching two poles at once, I can isolate circuits more completely and reduce the chance of incorrect connections. For me, that makes a DPDT switch not just convenient, but often essential in electrical and electronic applications where proper switching matters.

My Buying Guides on Double Pole Double Throw

What I Look for in a DPDT Switch

When I shop for a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch, I first check the electrical ratings. I make sure the switch can handle the voltage and current my project needs. I also look at the number of poles and throws so I know it will control two separate circuits with two output paths.

Why I Choose the Right Configuration

I always confirm whether I need a momentary or maintained switch. For my projects, this matters a lot because a momentary switch returns to its original position, while a maintained one stays where I place it. I also pay attention to the toggle, rocker, or slide style, depending on how I want to use it.

Build Quality Matters to Me

I prefer switches made with durable materials because I want them to last. A solid housing, strong terminals, and smooth action usually tell me the switch is built well. If I am using it often, I look for a model with a good mechanical life rating.

I Check the Wiring and Terminal Layout

Before buying, I always review the terminal layout so I know how easy it will be to wire. A clear diagram helps me avoid mistakes. I also make sure the terminal type fits my setup, whether it is solder lug, screw terminal, or PCB mount.

Safety Is Important in My Choice

I never ignore safety ratings. I make sure the DPDT switch is suitable for the environment where I plan to use it. If I need it for an industrial, automotive, or home project, I look for proper insulation and reliable contact performance.

How I Compare Prices and Value

I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I compare price with quality, rating, and brand reputation. In my experience, paying a little more for a dependable DPDT switch saves time and trouble later.

My Final Buying Tip

When I buy a Double Pole Double Throw switch, I focus on compatibility, durability, and ease of installation. If the switch matches my electrical needs and feels sturdy, I know I am making a smart purchase.

Final Thoughts

I see the double pole double throw switch as a versatile and reliable option when I need to control two separate circuits with a single action. My main takeaway is that it offers flexibility in wiring and switching, which makes it useful in a wide range of electrical applications. I also appreciate how understanding its function can make circuit design and troubleshooting much easier. Overall, I think a DPDT switch is a small component with a big impact.

Author Profile

Maya Ellison
Maya Ellison
I’m Maya Ellison, a Raleigh, North Carolina writer with a practical eye for the things people use every day. Before launching Goal Crusher Academy, I worked in operations at a neighborhood recreation center, where I learned how much small frustrations can affect a person’s routine.

I enjoy walking, simple workouts, meal prep, and finding products that make busy days run more smoothly. I write with everyday life in mind, not perfection.

Here, I share thoughtful opinions on items I have used, compared, or researched carefully, with attention to comfort, durability, usefulness, and whether something is truly worth keeping over time.