It is a common type of DIP switch and provides at least two switch positions including on or off. They are identified and characterized by the sliding actuator, a part that closes the circuit by touching the contacts. 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.

There are many variations on this kind of switch, including open frame slide switches, dimmer switches, surface mounted sealed slide switches and switches that are dustproof, waterproof and weather resistant. Slide switches are made from the same components as other switches such as terminals, wires, conductors and the actuator. The main difference is how they are positioned inside the housing; slide switches are arranged for linear movement.
The enclosure may be plastic, thermoplastic or metal, and the size of the switch is described as subminiature, miniature or standard. Slide switches have traditionally been used to control volume for audio and video equipment and devices because most provide a gradient of power that can slowly increase or decrease volume, speed, temperature and other characteristics. They are used in consumer products contexts as well as commercially and industrially; they are commonly used as dimmer switches and for controlling the operating speed of hand tools along with many other electrical products and devices.
Slide switches are generally composed of a strip of a conducting material that is mounted on a sliding actuator. Contacts are attached to the terminals of the switch. The terminals are mounted in the body, which contains a track on which the slider moves. When the conductor comes into contact with the terminals on either end, the circuit closes and current passes through it.
When it slides the other direction and contacts the opposite terminal, that particular circuit closes and allows the current to flow. A different kind of switching slide uses the movement of the actuator to cause a pivoting motion of the conductor from one extreme position to another; as the slider is pushed in one direction, the conductor is pulled toward the corresponding terminal. They may be single pole single-throw (SPST), single pole double-throw (SPDT), double pole single-throw (DPST) or double pole double-throw (DPDT).
Slide switches typically have more than three terminals to provide an off and on function along with another option. They vary in electrical specifications such as the maximum current rating or maximum voltage. The types of terminals may be wire leads, soldered terminals or feed-through style. Additional features include small lights to illuminate the switch, markings or labels on the enclosure or textured surfaces.