ON / OFF Slide Switches
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
ON/OFF slide switches are mechanical devices used to open or close an electrical circuit. They feature a sliding actuator that moves between two positions, typically labeled as "ON" and "OFF," to control the flow of electricity. These switches are commonly used to manage the power supply to various electronic devices and systems.
Working Principle
ON/OFF slide switches operate by physically moving a conductive contact between two terminals. When the switch is in the "ON" position, the contact bridges the terminals, allowing electrical current to flow through the circuit. Conversely, when the switch is in the "OFF" position, the contact is moved away, breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity. This simple mechanism makes slide switches reliable and easy to use, providing a straightforward method for controlling electrical devices.
Applications
ON/OFF slide switches are used in a wide range of applications. They are commonly found in consumer electronics such as radios, flashlights, and small appliances, where they serve as the primary power control. In industrial settings, they may be used in control panels to manage machinery or equipment. Additionally, they are often used in educational kits and projects to teach basic electrical concepts.
Advantages over other Slide Switches
ON/OFF slide switches offer several advantages over other types of slide switches. Their straightforward design makes them easy to operate and understand, which is beneficial in applications where simplicity is key. They are also typically more cost-effective due to their simple construction, making them an economical choice for many applications.
Limitations
One limitation of ON/OFF slide switches is their mechanical nature, which can lead to wear and tear over time. The physical movement required to operate the switch can cause the contacts to degrade, potentially leading to failure. Additionally, they may not be suitable for applications requiring rapid switching or high-frequency operation due to their manual operation.
Considerations
When selecting an ON/OFF slide switch, several factors should be considered. Initial costs are generally low, but it's important to consider the operating environment, as exposure to dust or moisture can affect durability. Maintenance costs are typically minimal, but regular inspection may be necessary to ensure reliable operation. The accuracy of the switch is generally not a concern, as it is designed for simple on/off control. However, replacement costs should be considered if the switch is used in a high-wear application.
from DigiKey
Slide Switch [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 4
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 1 Pos 6V SPST [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 4 to 10
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 1 Pos 6V SPST [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
BREADBOARD-FRIENDLY SPDT SLIDE S [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 0.5000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Mechanical Life: 10000
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 1 Pos 6V SPST [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole, Right Angle, Vertical [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Mechanical Life: 50000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 1 Pos 6V SPST [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Mechanical Life: 50000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 2 Pos 6V SPST [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST); DPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole, Right Angle [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Mechanical Life: 50000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 2 Pos 6V SPST [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST); DPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole, Right Angle [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Mechanical Life: 50000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 2 Pos 6V J Ho [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST); DPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole, Right Angle [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Flush Handle
- Mechanical Life: 50000
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 2 Pos 6V J Ho [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST); DPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Flush Handle
- Mechanical Life: 50000
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 2 Pos 6V Gull [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST); DPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Mechanical Life: 50000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 2 Pos 6V Gull [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST); DPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole, Right Angle, Vertical [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Mechanical Life: 50000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 4 Pos Gull [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 4PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Mechanical Life: 50000
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 4 Pos Gull [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 4PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Flush Handle
- Mechanical Life: 50000
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 4 Pos J Ho [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 4PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 15
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 4 Pos J Ho [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 4PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 25
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 4 Pos Gull [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 4PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 25
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 4 Pos Gull [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 4PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch DPST Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 15
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 8 Pos Gull [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 8PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch DPST Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 25
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 8 Pos Gull [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 8PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch DPST [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 20
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 10 Pos J H [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 10PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Flush Handle
- Mechanical Life: 50000
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dip Switch SMT Slide 100MA 6V 10 Pos J H [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: 10PST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 4 to 10
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Material: Plastic
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch SPST 25A 125V Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 25
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
from DigiKey
Slide Switch DPST Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 4
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
11mm plated slider [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Through Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 4
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
11mm slider with line [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 1 to 6
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from RS Components, Ltd.
Slide Switch SPST 4A 125V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Normally Open (NO)
- Current Rating: 4
from DigiKey
Slide Switch SPST Panel Mount [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 1 to 6
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Size: Standard
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON 3PST 1 Raised Slide 0.15A 30VDC PC Pins 2000Cycles/SwitchCycles 2.54mm Thru-Hole Tube [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 0.1500
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- DC Voltage Rating: 30
from ITW Switches USA
MINI MIKE MINIATURE SLIDE SWITCHES. This rugged, long life miniature slide switch is ideal for applications where exceptional quality and reliability are needed. Available in SPDT and DPDT configurations, these gold contact slide switches come with PC terminals. KEY FEATURES: • SPDT and DPDT... [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 0.2500
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
SUBMINIATURE SLIDE [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Other Momentary Contact; On-Off
- AC Voltage Rating: 28
from Ningbo Best Group Co., Ltd.
IRS-1-B15 15A 125/250VAC. IRS-1-B10 10A 125/250VAC. IRS-1-B7 7A 125/250VAC ON-OFF SPST 3P (Push-Button Switch Breaker) [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 10 to 15
from Excel Cell Electronic USA Corp.
Low contact resistance, long mechanical life, suitable for signal switching [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Switch Configuration: Normally Open (NO)
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
SWITCH SLIDE SPST 0.4VA 20V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Other Momentary Contact; On-Off
- AC Voltage Rating: 20
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 Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON DPST 4 Raised Slide 0.05A 24VDC PC Pins 2.54mm Thru-Hole Tube [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 0.0500
from ITW Switches USA
DOUBLE POLE LINE VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCHES. This rugged fully enclosed housing is built for tough applications. The positive detect action, status indication and variety of contact configurations make this series ideal for a variety of needs. KEY FEATURES: • Status indication: variety of... [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 10
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
SWITCH SLIDE SPST 3A 125V [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST); SPST
- Momentary Switch Function: Other Momentary Contact; On-Off
- Current Rating: 3
from Ningbo Best Group Co., Ltd.
KBB70-2P2W. ON-ON. KBB70-2P3W. ON-OFF-ON. 6A 125VAC; 3A 250VAC. DPDT 6P. Established in 1997, Best Group (FBELE), is Chinese leading manufacturer and trader in electronic components. We can offer high quality products in very competitive price for electronics components, as well as best service, in... [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF; ON / ON (Low / High)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 3 to 6
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
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPDT 2 Raised Slide 0.05A 24VDC PC Pins 2.54mm Thru-Hole Tube [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 0.0500
from ITW Switches USA
COMMERCIAL SLIDE SWITCH. This small slide switch is ideal for a variety of applications where long life and reliability is required. With the compact design the switch can carry loads up to 6 amps. KEY FEATURES: • Compact space saver. • Simple trouble-free design. • Long life. •... [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: Maintained; ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Double Throw (DPDT)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 6
from Ningbo Best Group Co., Ltd.
SS-01. ON-OFF. SS-01. (ON)-OFF. 15A 125VAC; 10A 250VAC. DPST 4P. Established in 1997, Best Group (FBELE), is Chinese leading manufacturer and trader in electronic components. We can offer high quality products in very competitive price for electronics components, as well as best service, in time... [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF; ON / ON (Low / High)
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 10 to 15
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPST 10 Recessed Slide 0.025A 24VDC Gull Wing SMD T/R [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 0.0250
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- DC Voltage Rating: 24
from Ningbo Best Group Co., Ltd.
SS-01. ON-OFF. SS-01. (ON)-OFF. 15A 125VAC; 10A 250VAC. DPST 4P [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Double Pole, Single Throw (DPST)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 10 to 15
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPST 2 Raised Slide 0.1A 24VDC Gull Wing 2.54mm SMD Tube [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPST 2 Raised Slide 0.1A 24VDC PC Pins 2.54mm Thru-Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPST 3 Raised Slide 0.05A 24VDC PC Pins 2.54mm Thru-Hole Tube [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Raised Handle
- Current Rating: 0.0500
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPST 4 Extended Slide 0.1A 24VDC PC Pins 2.54mm Thru-Hole Tube [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 1
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- DC Voltage Rating: 24
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPST 4 Flush Slide 0.025A 24VDC PC Pins 2.54mm Thru-Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Flush Handle
- Current Rating: 0.0250
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPST 4 Flush Slide 0.1A 24VDC Gull Wing 2.54mm SMD T/R [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Flush Handle
- Current Rating: 0.1000
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPST 4 Recessed Slide 0.1A 24VDC Gull Wing 1000Cycle 2.54mm SMD Tube [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Current Rating: 0.0250
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- DC Voltage Rating: 24
from Utmel Electronic Limited
Switch DIP OFF ON SPST 6 Flush Slide 0.1A 24VDC PC Pins 2.54mm Thru-Hole [See More]
- Maintained Switch Function: ON/OFF
- Pole & Throw Specifications: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
- Actuator Type: Flush Handle
- Current Rating: 0.1000