Choosing an Electrical Switch
More
Snap-Acting Switches
Open and close circuits in a snap. These switches actuate quickly to minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking. They’re often used to indicate that an appliance or enclosure door is open. You can also use them inside limit, pressure, and temperature switches.
Switches with a plunger actuator require a push to actuate, similar to a button.
Switches with a lever actuator have an arm that extends to give them a larger actuation area than switches with a plunger actuator.
Switches with a roller lever actuator combine the larger actuation area of a standard lever with a smooth gliding roller actuator. They minimize friction to limit wear and tear on your switch.
Plastic covers (sold separately) are compatible with switches with screw terminals. They fit over the bottom of the switch to prevent contact with live terminals.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Switches | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | Plastic Covers | |||||||||||||||||
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage  | Horsepower @ Switching Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Lever Lg. | Each | Each | |||
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||||
| A | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 10 A @ 8 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -13° to 176° | 0.08" | 6 | 1.94" | 0.89" | 0.69" | __ | 000000 | 000000 | 0000000 | 00000 |
With Tab Terminals | ||||||||||||||||||
| A | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 10 A @ 8 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | __ | -13° to 176° | 0.08" | 6 | 1.94" | 0.89" | 0.69" | __ | 00000000 | 00000 | 000000 | 00 |
Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||||
| F | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 10 A @ 8 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -13° to 176° | 0.29" | 6 | 1.94" | 0.95" | 0.69" | 2.5" | 000000 | 00000 | 0000000 | 0000 |
| F | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 10 A @ 8 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -13° to 176° | 0.4" | 6 | 1.94" | 0.89" | 0.69" | 2.5" | 00000000 | 00000 | 0000000 | 0000 |
With Tab Terminals | ||||||||||||||||||
| F | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 10 A @ 8 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | __ | -13° to 176° | 0.4" | 6 | 1.94" | 0.89" | 0.69" | 2.5" | 00000000 | 00000 | 000000 | 00 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||||
With Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||||
| G | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 10 A @ 8 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -13° to 176° | 0.58" | 6 | 1.94" | 0.95" | 0.69" | 1.2" | 000000 | 00000 | 0000000 | 0000 |
| H | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 10 A @ 8 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -13° to 176° | 0.68" | 6 | 1.94" | 0.95" | 0.69" | 1.9" | 000000 | 00000 | 0000000 | 0000 |
| H | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 10 A @ 8 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | 1/4 hp @ 250 V AC | -13° to 176° | 0.74" | 6 | 1.94" | 0.89" | 0.69" | 1.9" | 00000000 | 00000 | 0000000 | 0000 |
With Tab Terminals | ||||||||||||||||||
| H | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | DPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC, 10 A @ 8 V DC | 480V AC 250V DC | __ | -13° to 176° | 0.74" | 6 | 1.94" | 0.89" | 0.69" | 1.9" | 00000000 | 00000 | 000000 | 00 |
Subminiature Snap-Acting Switches
At least 25% smaller than our Miniature Snap-Acting Switches, these switches are often used to trigger actions from inside a vehicle’s door or an engine compartment. They open and close circuits faster than other switches, preventing contacts from sticking by reducing the time that they're near one another. They also minimize the chance of arcing, so electricity won’t jump across contacts.
Plunger actuator switches send a signal when the actuator is pushed directly downward. They have the smallest actuator of the actuators here, reducing the risk of accidental switching.
Lever actuator switches have a larger surface area than plunger actuator switches and can be pushed down by front-to-back movement, so they require less precision to activate.
Roller lever actuator switches allow parts to glide across the actuation surface with less friction than standard levers. This prevents wear and tear over time.
Simulated roller lever actuator switches have a curved arm that can be pressed down for actuation by forward, backward, and repeated back-and-forth movement.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of Terminals | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Lever Lg. | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Solder Pin Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.03" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | __ | IP40 | 00000000 | 00000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 125 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.03" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | __ | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.03" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | __ | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
With Tab Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.03" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | __ | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 125 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.03" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | __ | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
Lever Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Solder Pin Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.26" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 125 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.26" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.26" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
With Tab Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.26" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 125 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.26" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Solder Pin Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.48" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 125 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.48" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.48" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
With Tab Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.48" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 125 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.48" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.57" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
Simulated Roller Lever Actuator Style | |||||||||||||||
With Solder Pin Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.34" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.62" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 125 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.34" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.62" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.34" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.62" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
With Tab Terminals | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.34" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.62" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 5 A @ 125 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.34" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.62" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 10 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -10° to 185° | 0.34" | 3 | 0.78" | 0.35" | 0.25" | 0.62" | IP40 | 00000000 | 0000 |
Subminiature Wet-Location Snap-Acting Switches
Built for tight spaces exposed to water, these switches have a housing that's less than 1" long and IP67 rated for protection from temporary submersion. They open and close circuits quickly to minimize arcing and prevent contacts from sticking. They’re often used as door-open indicators on appliances and enclosures or as internal components in limit, pressure, and temperature switches.
Switches with a plunger actuator require a push to actuate.
Switches with a lever actuator have an arm that increases the size of the actuation surface.
Switches with a roller lever actuator allow parts to glide across the actuation surface with less friction than standard levers. This prevents wear and tear over time.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Wire Leads | Housing | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Operating Temp. Range, °F | Actuator Ht. | No. of Terminals | No. of | Lg. | Lg. | Ht. | Dp. | Lever Lg. | Each | |
Plunger Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.051" | __ | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | __ | 00000000 | 00000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.051" | __ | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | __ | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.354" | __ | 3 | 12" | 0.78" | 0.397" | 0.25" | __ | 0000000 | 0000 |
With Quick-Disconnect Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.051" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | __ | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.051" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | __ | 00000000 | 0000 |
With Solder Pin Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.051" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | __ | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.051" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | __ | 00000000 | 0000 |
Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.189" | __ | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 00000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.232" | __ | 3 | 12" | 0.83" | 0.665" | 0.25" | 3/4" | 0000000 | 0000 |
With Quick-Disconnect Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.189" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.23" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.189" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |
With Solder Pin Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.189" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.23" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.189" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |
Roller Lever Actuator Style | ||||||||||||||||
With Wire Leads | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.362" | __ | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.362" | __ | 2 | 12" | 0.84" | 0.665" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 00000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.457" | __ | 3 | 12" | 0.83" | 0.665" | 0.25" | 0.69" | 0000000 | 0000 |
With Quick-Disconnect Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.362" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.362" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |
With Solder Pin Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 0.1 A @ 125 V AC | 125V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.362" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | SPDT | 3 A @ 125 V AC, 2 A @ 250 V AC | 250V AC | -40° to 185° | 0.362" | 3 | __ | __ | 0.78" | 0.42" | 0.25" | 0.57" | 00000000 | 0000 |