Slide Switches

Slide switches as the name suggest are mechanical devices which have a slider on the top of switch which slides from one position to another. The handle of such a switch is either flushed or raided based on the actuator type. These switches have a slider that moves (slides) from one position to another. Based on the actuator type, the handle can be either flush or raised.

Buying Tips for Slide Switches
These are certain specifications and parameters that a buyer must consider while purchasing slide switches. These specifications are:

• Electrical specifications: This includes
  • Maximum current rating
    
    
  • Maximum AC voltage
    
    
  • Maximum DC voltage
    
    
  • Maximum power rating
    
    
  • Maximum mechanical life
    
    
  • Physical size including standard, miniature and sub-miniature.
    
    
  • Terminal type: There are different terminal types available including feed-through style, wire leads, solder terminals, screw terminals, quick connect or blade terminals, surface mount technology (SMT), straight PC pins, right angle PC pins, and side PC pins.
    
    
  • Materials of construction: Most of the switch base and actuators are made of materials including thermoplastic, metal and plastic.
    
    
  • Features: These include illuminated switch, imprinted markings, pilot light, locking switch, time delay, etc.
    
    
  • Certifications: These include CSA certification, CE Certification and UL listing.
    
    
• Slide Switch Pole and Throw Configurations
  • Single pole single throw (SPST): Also known as a single-pole switch, this switch has two terminals and makes or breaks the connection of a single conductor in a single branch circuit.
    
    
  • Single pole double throw (SPDT): This "three-way" switch has three terminals and makes or breaks the connection of a single conductor with either of two other single conductors.
    
    
  • Double pole single throw (DPST): This switch has four terminals and makes or breaks the connection of two circuit conductors in a single branch circuit.
    
    
  • Double pole double throw (DPDT): This switch has six terminals and makes or breaks the connection of two conductors to two separate circuits. It is available in both maintained and momentary contact versions.