This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Selector Switches category on DigiKey.com
A Selector Switch is a device used to start or stop current flowing along a circuit or multiple circuits. Devices in this family have an actuator or Knob that turn back and forth along a center axis point but have a predetermined number of stopping positions (2 to 7). With a Selector switch there are many switch functions like: on-off, on-on, on-off-mom, mom-off-mom, or on-on-on-on-on-on-on.
SelectionCharacteristics
Type: Refers to the various categories or classifications of switches available.
Circuit: Describes device function in terms of a number of poles and throws, as is typical for mechanical switches. For more information please see: Switch Basics, Examples of Pole and Throw
Number of Positions: The number of switch modules contained within a product as sold; the number of switches in an array.
Switch Function: Refers to the specific operation or behavior of a switch, indicating the primary purpose or mode of operation. For more information please see: Switch Basics, Examples of Pole and Throw
Current Rating (Amps): Typically this represents the maximum current to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this current may damage the device and/or other system components.
Voltage Rating - AC: Typically this represents the maximum AC voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
Voltage Rating - DC: Typically this represents the maximum DC voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
Illumination: Refers to whether the switch has the capability to be illuminated or not.
Illumination Type, Color: Refers to the method or technology used to provide illumination or backlighting to the switch.
Illumination Voltage (Nominal): Indicates the nominal operating voltage of a product’s illumination or backlighting feature, for products equipped therewith.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Termination Style: Selection of termination style used to connect the device to a system, such as PC pins, solder lugs, or wire leads.
Panel Cutout Dimensions: Refers to the measurements or dimensions of the opening or cutout in the panel.
Ingress Protection: IP (Ingress Protection) ratings such as (IP20, IP65, IP67, etc.) define how likely water and dirt will get into the system. The first number represents dirt and solid contaminants while the second represents water and liquids.
IP Ratings
| Protection Level | Solids | Liquids |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protected against solids larger than 50mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited Ingress permitted. |
| 2 | Protected against solids larger than 12.5mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 3 | Protected against solids larger than 2.5mm. | Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted for 3 minutes. |
| 4 | Protected against solids larger than 1mm. | Protected against water splashed from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against dust. Limited ingress of dust permitted. | Will not affect operation of equipment 2-8 hours. Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No ingress of dust 2-8 hours. | Protected against powerful jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | ______________________ | Protected against the effects of immersion in 15cm-1m for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | ______________________ | Continuous immersion in water up to 3m for long periods of time. |
| 9 | ______________________ | Protected against high pressure jets of hot water. (30 seconds) |
| 9K | ______________________ | Protected against high pressure jets of hot water. (2 minutes) |
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as a bezel or long lever.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | 8097460 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 18-08097460-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Littelfuse Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Selector Switch Position DPST 250A (DC) Chassis Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 880175-0002 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 18-880175-0002-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Littelfuse Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Selector Switch 2 Position DPST 500A (DC) Chassis Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 75903 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | F9004-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Littelfuse Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Selector Switch 2 Position DPST 125A (DC) Panel Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
Manual Battery Disconnect Switch – TR Series
BD Series (Battery Disconnect)
TechForum
TechForum posts on Selector Switches