Definition
A single switch assembly with two independent rocker actuators side by side, allowing the pilot to control two related electrical functions from one panel-mounted unit. Each rocker pivots separately and operates its own circuit, while the shared housing keeps the related controls grouped together.
Plain English
One switch body that holds two see-saw style switches next to each other, so two related items can be turned on or off from the same place but independently.
Context Anchor
Seen on some aircraft electrical panels and in malfunction procedures, especially when the pilot needs to turn off the charging side while keeping needed battery power available.
Derivation
The word rocker describes the action — the switch rocks back and forth on a pivot, like a see-saw. Double simply means there are two of them in one unit. The name describes how the switch moves and how many actuators it has.
Why Pilots Care
Enables rapid isolation or restoration of critical electrical circuits during malfunctions without requiring multiple separate switches.
Intuition Check
A double rocker switch is not just two loose switches placed near each other. It is one switch assembly with two separate rocker controls, often used so related electrical functions can be controlled separately.
Example Sentence 1
The pitot heat and windshield heat were combined on a single double rocker switch above the pilot's left shoulder.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight checks the double rocker switch was verified in the off position before connecting external power.