6-Pin Rocker Switch Wiring Diagram (DPDT Illuminated)

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A 6-pin rocker switch is a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) illuminated switch. This guide explains every terminal, its wiring, and safe installation for 12V automotive and panel applications.

A 6-pin illuminated rocker switch is a Double-Pole Double-Throw (DPDT) device combined with an internal indicator lamp or LED. Understanding the pin layout is essential before connecting anything, because an incorrectly wired DPDT rocker can simultaneously energise two circuits that should never be live at the same time — or it can leave the indicator permanently dark.

The six pins are arranged in two columns of three. Each column represents one pole. Within each column the three pins correspond to: Common (COM), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC). When the rocker is in the OFF (rest) position, each Common is connected to its respective Normally Closed contact. When you press the rocker to the ON position, each Common transfers to its respective Normally Open contact — both poles switch simultaneously and in perfect synchrony, which is why DPDT is used when you need to switch two independent circuits or reverse motor polarity.

The built-in illumination adds a fourth element. Most 6-pin rockers dedicate two of the six pins solely to the lamp circuit (these are typically the two pins on one column that are internally wired to a lamp and a limiting resistor). On some designs, the lamp shares the Common of one pole and uses a separate lamp return pin. Always verify the manufacturer's pinout diagram against your specific switch body because manufacturers differ on which pin carries the lamp positive and which is the lamp return.

In automotive 12V installations the most common configuration is: Column A pins 1/2/3 = COM/NO/NC for the main load circuit; Column B pins 4/5/6 = COM/NO/NC where pin 4 or 6 is repurposed as the illumination supply and pin 5 is the lamp ground. In this arrangement the indicator illuminates whenever the switch is in the ON position.

For dual-circuit reversing applications (for example, a 12V linear actuator that must extend and retract) both poles carry load current: COM A and COM B receive supply, NO A and NO B drive motor terminal 1 and 2 respectively, and NC A / NC B are left unconnected or used to hold a second circuit state.

Always confirm the switch's rated voltage and current before installation. DPDT rocker switches are rated for specific AC or DC loads; a switch rated 20A at 12V DC is not equivalent to one rated 20A at 125V AC due to the difference in arc-quenching requirements.

How to wire 6 pin rocker switch wiring diagram

Identify and label all six pins Remove the switch from any panel. Using the manufacturer's pinout diagram or a continuity tester, identify each pin: COM-A, NO-A, NC-A (pole A) and COM-B, NO-B, NC-B (pole B), noting which two pins form the lamp circuit. Mark each pin with tape before wiring.
Determine your switching application Decide whether you need DPDT for dual-circuit control, motor polarity reversal, or single-pole with illumination only. Your application determines which pins carry load current and which are left unconnected. Sketch the intended circuit before cutting any wire.
Connect the Common terminals Run your positive supply (switched or unswitched 12V depending on desired behaviour) to COM-A and, if using both poles, to COM-B. Use appropriately rated wire. Crimp spade terminals to fit the switch's tab size (commonly 4.8mm or 6.3mm). Do not twist bare wire around tabs — use proper crimp connectors.
Connect load outputs to NO terminals The Normally Open terminals deliver power to your load(s) only when the rocker is pressed ON. Connect your accessory load to NO-A and, if reversing a motor, connect the motor's second terminal to NO-B. If using NC for a second state (for example, to illuminate a different indicator), connect accordingly.
Wire the lamp circuit Connect the lamp supply pin to the same 12V supply that feeds your load (so the indicator confirms circuit energisation, not just switch position). Connect the lamp return pin to chassis ground or the common negative. If the switch has no internal current-limiting resistor, verify the lamp pin voltage specification before connecting directly to 12V.
Insulate all unused terminals Any NC terminal or unused pole terminal that is left unconnected must be covered with a suitably rated insulation cap or heat-shrink sleeve. Exposed terminals in an automotive environment can short to chassis ground against vibrating metal panels, causing blown fuses or wiring fires.
Test before final installation With a bench power supply or battery in a controlled environment, operate the switch through both positions and verify: load energises and de-energises correctly, indicator illuminates only in the intended state, no cross-circuit energisation occurs. Use a multimeter to confirm zero voltage on NC terminals when the switch is in the ON position.

Specifications

Switch type	DPDT (Double-Pole Double-Throw) with integrated indicator lamp
Typical DC voltage rating	12V DC (automotive grade); some versions rated to 24V DC
Typical current rating	10A to 20A per pole at 12V DC (confirm on switch body or datasheet)
Terminal tab size	4.8mm (0.187 in) or 6.3mm (0.250 in) quick-connect tabs
Standard panel cutout	Approximately 20mm x 13mm for common automotive rocker body sizes
Indicator lamp voltage	12V DC; internal resistor typically included — verify per product datasheet
Contact resistance (new)	Typically less than 50 milliohms per pole
Mechanical life	Typically 10,000 to 50,000 actuations per manufacturer specification

Safety warnings

Always disconnect the battery negative terminal before working on any automotive electrical circuit. Confirm the system is de-energised with a multimeter before touching any terminal.
Do not exceed the switch's rated voltage or current. Operating a switch beyond its rating causes arcing, contact welding, and fire risk. Verify the switch datasheet before installation.
Insulate all unused switch terminals with rated insulation caps or heat-shrink before installation in a vehicle. Bare terminals in vibrating metal environments will eventually contact chassis and cause a short circuit.
Fuse the supply side of any newly wired circuit within 300mm of the positive battery terminal or supply bus. The fuse protects the wiring, not the load — size it to the cable ampacity.
This guide is for illustrative and reference purposes only. All electrical installations must comply with applicable codes and standards (e.g. IEC 60364, AS/NZS 3000, NEC/NFPA 70, BS 7671) and should be carried out or verified by a suitably qualified person.

Tools needed

Digital multimeter (continuity and DC voltage functions)
Crimp tool (matched to terminal type — ratchet crimp tool preferred)
Wire stripper (calibrated to wire gauge in use)
Panel punch or step drill bit (for switch cutout)
Flat-blade and Phillips screwdrivers
Heat gun (for heat-shrink tubing)
Electrical tape or insulation caps

Common mistakes

Confusing NC and NO terminals: connecting the load to the NC terminal means the circuit is live by default and switches off when the rocker is pressed — the opposite of expected behaviour.
Ignoring the lamp circuit current limit: connecting the lamp pin directly to a high-current supply rail without verifying whether the switch has an internal limiting resistor can burn out the indicator immediately.
Using under-rated wire: selecting wire based on what is available rather than what the load current demands. Undersized wire overheats and poses a fire risk.
Leaving unused terminals exposed: in automotive panels, metal fasteners and bracket edges will find bare terminals. Always cap or insulate every unused pin.
Not fusing the new circuit: adding accessories without inline fuses means any wiring fault upstream of the switch will not be interrupted and can cause uncontrolled current flow and fire.

Troubleshooting

Indicator does not illuminate in either switch position: Cause: Lamp circuit is not receiving supply voltage, or the lamp return (ground) connection is absent or broken Fix: Use a multimeter to verify voltage is present at the lamp supply pin with the switch in the ON position. Check continuity from the lamp return pin to chassis ground. Reseat or replace any corroded spade terminal.
Load circuit is always energised regardless of switch position: Cause: Load is wired to the NC terminal instead of the NO terminal, so opening the switch connects rather than disconnects the load Fix: Identify which pin is NO using a continuity tester (NO shows continuity to COM only when switch is pressed ON). Move the load wire from NC to the correct NO terminal.
Switch operates correctly but one pole does not switch: Cause: Internal contact damage from overcurrent, or a spade terminal that has pulled off the tab internally Fix: Test each pole individually with a multimeter in continuity mode. If one pole is open in both switch positions, the switch has internal contact damage and must be replaced — do not attempt to repair internal switch contacts.

Frequently asked questions

What does DPDT mean on a 6-pin rocker switch?

DPDT stands for Double-Pole Double-Throw. It means the switch contains two independent switching poles that move together. Each pole has three terminals: Common, Normally Open, and Normally Closed. This allows the switch to control two separate circuits simultaneously or to reverse polarity to a motor.

Which pins are the lamp pins on a 6-pin illuminated rocker?

This varies by manufacturer. On many 6-pin rockers, the indicator lamp is wired between one pin on the second column (often labelled L+ or lamp positive) and a dedicated lamp return pin. Always cross-reference the datasheet or use a continuity tester in the OFF position to identify which pin pair only lights the indicator rather than carrying switched load current.

Can I use a 6-pin DPDT rocker switch for a single circuit?

Yes. Simply use one pole (three pins) for your load circuit and connect the lamp pins for illumination. Leave the second pole's NO and NC pins unconnected if you only need single-pole switching. The switch will still function correctly and the indicator will still operate.

Why does my indicator light stay on even when the switch is off?

This usually means the lamp circuit is connected to the wrong pin. The lamp supply must be taken from the load supply side (Common or a dedicated lamp pin) and must not be connected to the switched output. Check your pinout against the manufacturer's diagram and use a multimeter to verify which terminal is live in each switch position.

What is the correct wire gauge for a 6-pin rocker switch in a 12V system?

Match the wire gauge to the current rating of the circuit being switched, not just the switch itself. A circuit carrying 15A requires at least 1.5mm² (AWG 14) wire for short runs. The switch's maximum rated current must meet or exceed the circuit's maximum load current. Never uprate a switch beyond its stamped rating.

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