Three-Position Center-OFF Slide Switches
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Three-position center-OFF slide switches are electrical components that allow users to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. These switches have three distinct positions: two ON positions and one center OFF position. The center position serves as a neutral or OFF state, effectively interrupting the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity.
Working Principle
The working principle of three-position center-OFF slide switches involves a sliding actuator that moves across contacts to establish or break electrical connections. In the two ON positions, the switch connects the common terminal to one of the two outer terminals, allowing current to flow through the circuit. The center OFF position disconnects the common terminal from both outer terminals, interrupting the circuit. This design is useful for applications requiring a neutral or OFF state between two active states, providing flexibility and control in electrical circuits.
Applications
Three-position center-OFF slide switches are commonly used in applications where a neutral or OFF state is necessary between two operational states. Specific examples include:
- Audio equipment, where the switch can select between different audio sources or mute the audio.
- Lighting systems, allowing users to switch between different lighting modes or turn the lights off.
- Industrial machinery, where the switch can control different operational modes or stop the machine.
Advantages over other Slide Switches
Three-position center-OFF slide switches offer several advantages over other types of slide switches:
- The ability to provide a neutral or OFF state between two active states, which is not available in simple ON/OFF slide switches.
- Enhanced control and flexibility in applications requiring multiple operational modes.
- Reduced wear on components by allowing a neutral position, potentially extending the lifespan of the switch.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, three-position center-OFF slide switches have some limitations:
- They may be more complex and costly than simpler ON/OFF slide switches due to their additional functionality.
- The center OFF position may not be suitable for all applications, particularly those requiring continuous operation without interruption.
Considerations
When selecting three-position center-OFF slide switches, consider the following factors:
- Initial Costs: These switches may have higher initial costs compared to simpler switches due to their additional functionality.
- Operating Expense: Consider the potential for reduced operating expenses due to the switch's ability to extend the lifespan of connected components by providing a neutral position.
- Durability: Evaluate the switch's durability, especially in environments with frequent switching or harsh conditions.
- Accuracy: Ensure the switch provides precise control and reliable operation in the intended application.
- Replacement and Maintenance Costs: Consider the ease of replacement and maintenance, as well as the availability of compatible replacement parts.
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPDT Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 6
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
SPDT top actuated PCB switch,centre off [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 1
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- DC Voltage Rating: 30
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPDT Through Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 0.3000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Mechanical Life: 10000
from RS Components, Ltd.
DP top actuated PCB switch,on-off-on [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 1
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT); DPDT
- DC Voltage Rating: 30
from DigiKey
Slide Switch DPDT Through Hole, Right Angle [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 0.3000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT)
- Mechanical Life: 15000
from RS Components, Ltd.
GLISS.CI ON/OFF/ON H. [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 0.4000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
- Terminal Type: Through Hole
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Terminal Type: Surface Mount Technology; J-Hook
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch, Sub-Miniature, SPDT, On-Of [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Size: Subminiature; Miniature
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch, Sub-Miniature, SPDT, On-Of [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Size: Subminiature; Miniature
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch, Hyper-Miniature, SPDT, On [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Size: Miniature
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch, Hyper-Miniature, SPDT, On [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Size: Miniature
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch, Hyper-Miniature, SPDT, On [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Size: Miniature
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch, Hyper-Miniature, SPDT, On [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Size: Miniature
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch, Hyper-Miniature, SPDT, On [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Size: Miniature
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch, Hyper-Miniature, SPDT, On [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Size: Miniature
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide switch,s/p,3 pos,std act,Au con [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 1
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- DC Voltage Rating: 30
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide switch,d/p,3 pos,flush act,Slv con [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 1
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT); DPDT
- DC Voltage Rating: 30
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide switch,s/p,3 pos,std act,Au con [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- DC Voltage Rating: 30
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide switch,DP,on-off-on,PC thru-hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 3
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT); DPDT
- AC Voltage Rating: 120
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide switch,SP,on-off-on,PC thru-hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 3
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT)
- AC Voltage Rating: 120
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide switch,SP,on-off-on,PC thru-hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 3
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- AC Voltage Rating: 120
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide switch,SP on-off-on right angle [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 3
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- AC Voltage Rating: 120
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide switch,SP on-off-on PC thru-hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- DC Voltage Rating: 28
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide switch,miniature,SPDT,ON-OFF-ON [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 0.0500
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); SPDT
- Mechanical Life: 10000
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 5A 120V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Current Rating: 5
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Size: Standard
from DigiKey
SWITCH SLIDE SPDT 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Size: Standard
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from Grayhill, Inc.
Grayhill Tact Switches are momentary pushbuttons designed for cost-effective user interface switching. They are mounted to a printed circuit board and typically actuated by a decorative keycap. The ultraminiature and lightweight structure of these tact switches make them suitable for high density... [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT); Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 5
from Grayhill, Inc.
Grayhill Tact Switches are momentary pushbuttons designed for cost-effective user interface switching. They are mounted to a printed circuit board and typically actuated by a decorative keycap. The ultraminiature and lightweight structure of these tact switches make them suitable for high density... [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF; Three Position (Center-OFF)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 3