This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Toggle Switches category on DigiKey.com
Toggle switches are mechanical devices that make or break electrical connections in a circuit by the closing or opening electrical contacts when the protruding actuator is manually moved (toggled) from one position (throw) to another. Toggle switches are defined by their number of poles and throws. Pole refers to the number of separate circuits that the switch controls. A single-pole, single throw switch controls just one circuit as in a simple on/off switch that connects or disconnects two terminals. Changeover contacts are double throw.
SelectionCharacteristics
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
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
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 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 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.
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 and the color of such illumination.
Illumination Voltage (Nominal): Indicates the nominal operating voltage of a product’s illumination or backlighting feature, for products equipped therewith.
Termination Style: Selection of termination style used to connect the device to a system, such as quick connect, solder lug, or wire leads.
Panel Cutout Dimensions: Refers to the measurements or dimensions of the opening or cutout in the panel for mounting the switch.
Bushing Thread: Indicates the thread specification of a device’s threaded mounting bushing, for products equipped therewith.
Ingress Protection: IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings (IP20, IP65, IP67 etc.) - Define how likely it is that water and dirt will get into the system. The first number is for dirt and solid contaminants and the second number is for water.
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 sealed or washable.
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 # | ET610N13-Z |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 563-1928-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Nidec Components Corporation |
| DESCRIPTION | Toggle Switch 6PDT Panel Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | IL251-73 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 432-1269-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Carling Technologies |
| DESCRIPTION | Toggle Switch 4PDT Panel Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 100SP3T1B1M2QE |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 100SP3T1B1M2QE-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | E-Switch |
| DESCRIPTION | Toggle Switch SPDT Panel Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | TBS2TBA1MZRES |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 450-2124-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | TE Connectivity ALCOSWITCH Switches |
| DESCRIPTION | Toggle Switch SPDT Surface Mount, Right Angle |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
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NKK Switches S Series Waterproof Toggle Switches
C&K’s ILT Series Illuminated Toggle Switch
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NKK M series toggle switches
Articles
What You Need to Know About Switches
Switch Tutorial
Implementing Hardware Switch Debounce
Product Training Modules
Toggle Switch - Copal
Dual Seal Waterproof S Series - NKK Switches
Switches - Bulgin
Switch Basics - NKK Switches
Blogs
Basics of Switches