6 Steps to Choosing the Right Switch

Questions to Ask When Specifying a Switch

Big Tech, Mini Package

Check out our featured miniature tact switches for wearables & handheld devices.

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1. What Type of Switch Are You Looking For?

The switch categories below show the different types to choose from.

2. What Electrical Ratings Are Needed?

Is the product AC or DC?
Common Voltages for AC: 125VAC, 250VAC
Common Voltages for DC: 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48VDC
How many amperes does the switch need to handle?
Low Power is in the milliamps
Medium Power is from 2 amps to 5 amps
High Power is greater than 6 amps
If you’re looking at medium to high power, what agency approvals are needed?
Where the product is sold determines what approvals are needed

3. How Many Poles and Throws Do You Need?

Poles are the number of closed independent circuits.

Throws are the number of positions in which a given pole is closed.

SPST

Single Pole, Single Throw

Example: Flashlight — 1 pole for turning the light on and off

SPDT

Single Pole, Double Throw

Example: Vacuum Cleaner — 1 pole for power, 1 throw for low speed, 1 throw for high speed

DPST

Double Pole, Single Throw

Example: Air Conditioner — 1 pole controls the chiller, 1 pole controls the fan

DPDT

Double Pole, Double Throw

Example: Hair Dryer — 1 pole controls the heater, 1 pole controls the fan, 1 throw is for low speed, 1 throw is for high speed

4. How Does the Switch Attach to Your Product?

PC Board Mount

What type of termination?
Through hole or surface mount
What type of actuation?
Right angle or vertical
Do you need a process sealed component?

Panel Mount

What is the panel cutout size?
What type of termination?
Quick connect or solder lug

5. What is Your Application?

Knowing the application that the switch goes into can help find unique instances where certain switches work better than others. Below are some examples of industries where E-Switch switches are used.

Wearable Technology

Audio/Visual Equipment

Consumer Electronics

Floor Care Appliances

Electrical Housewares

Gaming & Computers

Industrial Controls

Instrumentation Devices

Medical Equipment

Security Devices

Handheld Devices

White Goods

6. Are There Any Additional Requirements?

Many products have requirements that are not initially thought of. Some might make the switch more aesthetically pleasing and others will help the switch perform better under special circumstances. Below are examples that should be brought up during discussion:

  • Momentary or Latching
  • Illumination
  • Sealed Protection (IP Rating)
  • Custom Cap Options
    • Colors
    • Graphics
    • Styles
  • Long Life Expectancy
  • High Inrush or Horse Power Rating
  • Extreme Temperature Rating
  • Custom User Requirements

Featured Miniature Tact Switches

for Wearable/Handheld Devices Market

Right Angle Edge Mount Miniature Tact

Designed for right angle actuation in SMT applications, miniature tact series offer multiple operating force and strong tactile feel.

  • Right angle SMT for accessible actuation on compact designs
  • Firm tactile response
  • Multiple operating force options
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Ultra Low Profile Miniature Edge Mount Tact

Ultra-low profile, 1.65mm to 2.30mm, edge-mount miniature tact switches are available with mounting boss and come in tape-reel packaging.

  • Low profile and small footprint for compact designs
  • Right angle SMT for accessible actuation on compact designs
  • Mounting boss provide rigidity in right angle actuation
  • Tape and reel packaging to streamline design production
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Miniature Tact Mounts Along Edge of PCB

Ultra-miniature tact switches designed to mount along PCB edge which provide SPST momentary function and long life up to 1,000,000 cycles.

  • Edge-mount along PCB for accessible right angle actuation
  • Ultra-compact footprint
  • Firm tactile response
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Essential Resources

Literature

Digital