Definition
A two-part rocker switch in which each half operates independently, allowing two related circuits to be controlled by a single switch body. Each side can be pressed separately, or both sides can be pressed together as one action. Commonly used for the battery and generator/alternator master switches on light aircraft, where the two halves are mechanically joined so the battery side can be turned on alone, but the generator/alternator side cannot be turned on without also turning on the battery.
Plain English
A switch that looks like one switch but is actually two switches side by side under a single rocker. You can flip one half on its own, or flip both halves at the same time with one push.
Context Anchor
Seen on aircraft electrical panels and maintenance wiring diagrams, especially where two related electrical functions are placed in one compact switch location.
Derivation
‘Split’ because the rocker is divided into two independently operating halves; ‘rocker’ because the switch pivots like a seesaw rather than flipping like a toggle. The name describes the physical shape and action.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces instrument panel space while still allowing independent control of related systems, improving reliability and simplifying cockpit layout.
Analogy
It is like two small light switches built into one wall switch plate: they share the same mounting space, but each one can control something different.
Intuition Check
A split-rocker switch is not a damaged or cracked switch. “Split” means intentionally divided into separate operating parts.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot pressed the right half of the split-rocker switch to bring the battery online before checking the fuel gauges.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight the mechanic verified that each half of the split-rocker switch operated its circuit independently.