Both kinds of devices are used by people to achieve some purpose, and in order to control those machines, their users require interface tools that give them control over their devices. Toggles, rotaries, push-buttons and rockers are all examples of such controls. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Electro-Mech Components, Inc.
South El Monte, CA | 626-442-7180Electro-Mech Components designs and manufactures illuminated pushbutton switches and miniature switches plus multiswitch interlocking assemblies and indicator lights. We have an extensive selection of off-the-shelf pushbutton switches plus industrial-grade switches and are always happy to customize.

OTTO Engineering, Inc.
Carpentersville, IL | 847-428-7171OTTO Engineering designs and manufactures switches and control grips for the most demanding applications. From material handling to medical, from commercial to military applications, we provide sealed snap-action, pushbutton, toggle, rocker, rotary and lighted switches.

Delta Systems, Inc.
Streetsboro, OH | 330-626-2811Delta Systems manufactures custom and standard switches including push/pull switches, plunger switches, seat switches, ignition switches, sealed momentary switches, connectors, assemblies and more to many industries and markets. Our electric switches are used on outdoor power equipment.

Linemaster Switch Corporation
Woodstock, CT | 860-974-1000Linemaster is a leading manufacturer of electrical switches. Our experienced team of engineers and technicians work closely with customers to ensure that each product is designed and manufactured to their exact specifications. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes us a premier leader in the electric switches industry. With our years of knowledge and growth, our customers know that our products are one of the best out there.

Two of the most common types of electric switches are single-pole and double-pole switches. The simplest type of electrical switch is a single-pole (SP) switch. SP switches have two points, called contacts, that connect to make a circuit and separate to break the circuit. Double-pole (DP) switches, in comparison, have two "on" positions and one "off" position. For example, the fan button on kitchen range hoods has a high-off-low configuration where the two "on" positions provide different voltages.
All electrical switches control whether the circuits to which they are connected are closed or open. An electrical circuit is so named because when it is complete it forms a closed circuit through which electricity passes without interruption. When a circuit is opened, electricity cannot pass without interruption, which ceases the operation of the device involved in the circuit. When a circuit is opened, the switch controlling that circuit can be said to be in the "off" position.
When switched to the "on" position, the switch closes the circuit, allowing again for the continuous flow of electricity through the circuit. Because there are so many different kinds of electronic devices, an equally wide variety of different circuitry options is necessary to accommodate them. In a simple electric light, nothing more than wires, a switch and a power source is necessary for the light's operation. In a computer keyboard, a complex web of circuits embedded on a circuit board is necessary to send signals to an attached processor. In both cases though, switches are used to control the circuitry.