This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Slide Switches category on DigiKey.com
Slide Switches are an electromechanical device used to control current flow in a circuit path. Devices in this family are actuated by sliding a mechanical switch. The characteristics are circuit, contact timing, switch function, current rating, voltage rating (AC or DC), and actuator type. The actuator types are baton, flush, illuminated, plunger for cap, push-pull, recessed, rocker knob, screwdriver slot, snap on cap, and standard.
SelectionCharacteristics
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
Contact Timing: Indicates whether or not adjacent contacts for a given pole are interconnected briefly as the actuator is moved between positions.
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.
Actuator Type: The specific design or style of the mechanism used to change the switch position.
Actuator Length: The length of the shaft or protrusion that serves as the mechanical interface for adjusting a device setting or value.
Contact Material: The material used for switch contacts.
Contact Finish: Identifies the surface finish material present on a device’s electrical contacts.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Mounting Types
Chassis Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal chassis.
Chassis Mount, 8" Wire Lead
Attaches to a metal chassis but it includes an 8" wire for connection.
Chassis, Stud Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal chassis using an incorporated stud bolt.
Screw Mount
Attaches using screw terminals.
Stud Mount
Has a stud bolt incorporated into one side for attachment.
Flange Mount
Screws or bolts go through wings (flanges) that protrude from the product.
Connector Mount
A mount that incorporates a connector into its method of attachment into the electrical system.
Surface Mount
Have pins or pads that connect to solder pads on the PCB that are then soldered in place forming an electrical and mechanical connection. Number in front of SMD indicates how many pins/pads, for example a 6-SMD module has 6 pins/pads. May not use or even have all the pins/pads for example 24-SMD module, 14 leads: would fit in the space of a 24-SMD module but only has 14 pins/pads. Typically, they are smaller than the through-hole components.
There are three basic types of pins (leads) for surface mount devices.
Lead Types
Gull wing leads: Enable the most pins per inch when compared to J-lead types but they are more fragile. Easy to inspect for defects after soldering.
J-Leads: Less pins per inch than gull wing leads but they are stronger and less susceptible to breakage.
Flat Leads:
Must be protectively packaged to prevent damage to leads. Leads must be formed into a gull shape prior to use with a separate piece of equipment. Due to that they are the least popular type of lead.
Termination Style: Selection of termination style used to connect the device to a system, such as PC pins, screw terminals, or wire leads.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as markings, LEDs, or epoxy sealed terminals.
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 # | EG2208 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | EG1941-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | E-Switch |
| DESCRIPTION | Slide Switch DPDT Through Hole, Right Angle |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | OS102011MS2QN1 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | CKN9565-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | C&K |
| DESCRIPTION | Slide Switch SPDT Through Hole |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | JS202011JCQN |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | CKN10723TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | C&K |
| DESCRIPTION | Slide Switch DPDT Surface Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | JS202011JAQN |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | CKN10722TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | C&K |
| DESCRIPTION | Slide Switch DPDT Surface Mount, Right Angle |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
SchematicSymbol
Schematic symbol courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.
MediaLinks
Articles
What You Need to Know About Switches
Mechanical Switches Meet Many Application Criteria
Product Training Modules
Slide Switch - Copal
CL-SA Slide Switch Overview - Copal
CJS & CAS Slide Switches - Copal