38. Power Slide Switch Selection

1. Component Purpose
A slide switch provides simple manual ON/OFF power control for a battery-powered device. The user slides the actuator to one position to turn power ON, and to the other to turn it OFF.
An SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw) slide switch has three pins: one common and two positions. The common pin connects to one position or the other depending on the slider position. For power control, one position connects the battery to the circuit (ON), and the other disconnects it (OFF).
Required: SPDT · On-On · ≥200mA · ≥12VDC · Through Hole · PC Pin
2. How to Find It on DigiKey
Go to DigiKey.com → Switches → Slide Switches
Apply these filters:
Circuit → SPDT
Switch Function → On-On
Current Rating (Amps) → 200mA or higher
Voltage Rating - DC → 12V or higher
Mounting Type → Through Hole
Termination Style → PC Pin
Part Status → Active
Tip: Some slide switches are rated for AC only. Make sure the datasheet confirms a DC voltage and current rating, since this is a DC-powered device.
3. Key Specifications & What They Mean
SpecificationRequiredWhy
CircuitSPDTOne common, two positions for ON/OFF.
Switch FunctionOn-OnLatching in both positions.
Current Rating≥200mADevice draws 150mA; margin needed.
Voltage Rating≥12VDCMust handle 12V DC supply.
Actuator Length1.5–3.0mmEnough to slide comfortably.
Switch Travel2.0–3.0mmClear tactile travel between positions.
Operating Force150–300gfFirm enough to avoid accidental toggling.
MountingThrough Hole, PC PinPCB-mounted.
Temp Range−20°C to +70°CStandard for enclosed consumer devices.
4. Selecting a Safe, Production-Ready Part
The filtered list will show matching parts. Before you pick one, check: Is it Active? Is stock available? Is the manufacturer reputable? Is a datasheet available?
Full checklist: How to Select a Safe, Production-Ready Component — EWskills Guide
5. Filtered DigiKey Link
➡ View Matching Parts — Slide, SPDT, On-On, ≥200mA, ≥12VDC, Through Hole
 

Specification	Required	Why
Circuit	SPDT	One common, two positions for ON/OFF.
Switch Function	On-On	Latching in both positions.
Current Rating	≥200mA	Device draws 150mA; margin needed.
Voltage Rating	≥12VDC	Must handle 12V DC supply.
Actuator Length	1.5–3.0mm	Enough to slide comfortably.
Switch Travel	2.0–3.0mm	Clear tactile travel between positions.
Operating Force	150–300gf	Firm enough to avoid accidental toggling.
Mounting	Through Hole, PC Pin	PCB-mounted.
Temp Range	−20°C to +70°C	Standard for enclosed consumer devices.

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