Which type of switch is most susceptible to shock and vibration?

The toggle switch is considered most susceptible to shock and vibration due to its mechanical design. Toggle switches are characterized by a lever that moves between on and off positions, which can create a moment during operation that is particularly vulnerable to displacement from shocks or vibrations.

Under conditions of high shock or vibration, the lever mechanism can become dislodged or may not return to its designated position effectively, leading to a potential failure in maintaining a reliable electrical connection. This susceptibility is crucial to consider in applications such as aviation, where equipment must endure rigorous environmental conditions without loss of functionality.

In contrast, push button switches, rocker switches, and rotary switches tend to have designs that either encapsulate their operational components more securely or rely on mechanisms that are less impacted by linear displacement, making them more resilient in environments with significant shock and vibration.