Choosing an Electrical Switch
More
Recessed Push-Button Switches
Often used to trigger alarms, these switches have a recessed button to prevent accidental activation. Mount under desks or in other discrete locations to avoid drawing attention.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | Mounting | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuator Color | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Features | Voltage | Dia. | Dp. | Material | Color | Fasteners Included | No. of Holes | Hole Dia. | Each | |
Plastic Actuator with Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||
Round | ||||||||||||||||
| Red | 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 7 | DPST-NO | Tamper Alert | 12V DC-30V DC | 3 3/16" | 1 1/4" | Plastic | Gray | No | 3 | 5/32" | 000000 | 000000 |
Doorbell-Style Push-Button Switches
These familiar push-button switches mount to flat surfaces.
Switches rated IP65 are protected against dust and low-pressure jets of water.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Housing | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Style | Actuator Color | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Dia. | Ht. | Wd. | Dp. | Material | Color | Mounting Fasteners Included | Environmental Rating | Each | |
Metal Actuator with Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||||
Round | ||||||||||||||||||
| A | Gold | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | 2 1/2" | __ | __ | 1 5/16" | Brass | Gold | Yes | IP65 | 00000000 | 000000 |
Plastic Actuator with Screw Terminals | ||||||||||||||||||
Round | ||||||||||||||||||
| A | Black | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | 1 3/4" | __ | __ | 5/8" | Brass | Gold | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| A | Black | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | 2 1/4" | __ | __ | 5/8" | Brass | Gold | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
Rectangular | ||||||||||||||||||
| B | Black | 2 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 4 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | __ | 4 3/4" | 1 5/8" | 3/4" | Brass | Gold | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| C | Black | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | __ | 2 3/4" | 1" | 3/4" | Anodized Aluminum | Gold | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| C | Black | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | __ | 2 3/4" | 1" | 3/4" | Anodized Aluminum | Gray | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | __ | 2 3/4" | 3/4" | 5/8" | Plastic | Black | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | __ | 2 3/4" | 3/4" | 5/8" | Plastic | Gold | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | __ | 2 3/4" | 3/4" | 5/8" | Plastic | Gray | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 30 V AC/30 V DC | 30V AC 30V DC | __ | 2 3/4" | 3/4" | 5/8" | Plastic | White | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
Plastic Actuator with Screw Terminals—Illuminated | ||||||||||||||||||
Rectangular | ||||||||||||||||||
| C | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 16 V AC/16 V DC | 16V DC 16V AC | __ | 2 3/4" | 1" | 3/4" | Anodized Aluminum | Gold | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| C | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 16 V AC/16 V DC | 16V DC 16V AC | __ | 2 3/4" | 1" | 3/4" | Anodized Aluminum | Gray | Yes | __ | 00000000 | 00000 |
| D | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 16 V AC/16 V DC | 16V DC 16V AC | __ | 2 3/4" | 3/4" | 5/8" | Plastic | Black | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 16 V AC/16 V DC | 16V DC 16V AC | __ | 2 3/4" | 3/4" | 5/8" | Plastic | Gold | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 16 V AC/16 V DC | 16V DC 16V AC | __ | 2 3/4" | 3/4" | 5/8" | Plastic | Gray | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
| D | White | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 3 A @ 16 V AC/16 V DC | 16V DC 16V AC | __ | 2 3/4" | 3/4" | 5/8" | Plastic | White | Yes | __ | 0000000 | 00000 |
Under-Mount Enclosed Push-Button Switches
Keep a switch within reach—but not in the way. These mount to the underside of desks, tables, and shelves to keep work surfaces clear and reduce the risk of accidental presses. They’re often used to remotely release electric locks. Made of aluminum, their housing is lightweight, durable, and corrosion resistant. The push-button design is ideal for uses requiring quick and simple actuation.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
| No. of Buttons | Actuator Color | No. of Circuits Controlled per Button | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals per Button | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Max. Voltage | Mounting Fasteners Included | Each | |
Aluminum Housing with Wire Leads | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 3 | SPDT | 5 A @ 30 V DC | 30V DC | Yes | 0000000 | 0000000 |
Sealed Touch Pad Switches
Suitable for areas with space limitations, these switches have a low profile and a small footprint. They lay flat or mount to a wall. Typically used in start/stop and door opening applications, switches can also be placed underneath objects to alert when the object is removed. All have a sealed housing that resists water and alcohols (not suitable for continuous contact).
Optional mounting frames secure switches to a wall or bench top.
| Shape | No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Color | Switching Current @ Voltage | Actuation Force, lbs. | Material | Dia. | Lg. | Wd. | Thick. | Each | |
| Rectangular | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | Black | 1 A @ 28 V AC/28 V DC | 2.5 | PVC Plastic | __ | 1" | 3/4" | 3/16" | 000000 | 000000 |
| Round | 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | Black | 1 A @ 28 V AC/28 V DC | 2.5 | PVC Plastic | 1 1/2" | __ | __ | 1/4" | 000000 | 00000 |
Air-Actuated Hand Switches
Keep live electrical circuits away from work areas—these switches use air pressure to turn circuits on or off.
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Quick-Disconnect Tab Wd. | Includes | Each | |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 3 | SPDT | 20 A @ 125 V AC/250 V AC | 2 1/8" | 1 3/4" | 1 1/4" | 0.187" | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 3 | SPDT | 20 A @ 125 V AC/250 V AC | 2 1/8" | 1 3/4" | 1 1/4" | 0.187" | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 00000 |
Build-Your-Own Air-Actuated Hand Switches
Combine a push-button actuator with a switching mechanism to build a complete switch. These switches use air pressure to turn circuits on or off, keeping live electrical circuits away from work areas.
| Dia. | Ht. | Tube ID | Tube OD | Material | Environmental Rating | Includes | Each | |
| 2 5/8" | 1" | 1/8" | 1/4" | Plastic | IP04 | 6 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 000000 |
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Quick-Disconnect Tab Wd. | Specifications Met | Each | |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 3 | SPDT | 21 A @ 250 V AC | 0.25" | CE Marked, CSA Certified, UL Listed, UL 508 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 3 | SPDT | 21 A @ 250 V AC | 0.25" | CE Marked, CSA Certified, UL Listed, UL 508 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 6 | DPDT | 21 A @ 250 V AC | 0.25" | UL Listed, UL 508 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 6 | DPDT | 21 A @ 250 V AC | 0.25" | CE Marked, CSA Certified, UL Listed, UL 508 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Air-Actuated Foot Switches
Press these switches with your foot for convenient, hands-free operation. They use air pressure to turn circuits on or off, keeping live electrical circuits away from work areas. Use the three-prong outlet to plug a device directly into the switch.
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Dia. | Lg. | Wd. | Ht. | Guard Material | Includes | Each | |
With Three-Prong Outlet | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | 3 3/4" | __ | __ | 1 1/2" | __ | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 2 | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | 3 3/4" | __ | __ | 1 1/2" | __ | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 00000 |
With Three-Prong Outlet and Guard | |||||||||||||
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 2 | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | __ | 6" | 6 1/2" | 4 11/16" | Plastic | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 2 | SPST-NO | 15 A @ 120 V AC | __ | 6" | 6 1/2" | 4 11/16" | Plastic | 10 ft. Tubing | 0000000 | 00000 |
Build-Your-Own Air-Actuated Foot Switches
Combine a foot-pedal actuator with a switching mechanism to build a complete switch that allows for convenient, hands-free operation. These switches use air pressure to turn circuits on or off, keeping live electrical circuits away from work areas.
| No. of Circuits Controlled | Switch Starting Position | Switch Action | No. of Terminals | Industry Designation | Switching Current @ Voltage | Quick-Disconnect Tab Wd. | Specifications Met | Each | |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 3 | SPDT | 21 A @ 250 V AC | 0.25" | CE Marked, CSA Certified, UL Listed, UL 508 | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 1 | 1 Off (Normally Open) or 1 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 3 | SPDT | 21 A @ 250 V AC | 0.25" | CE Marked, CSA Certified, UL Listed, UL 508 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Springs Back (Momentary) | 6 | DPDT | 21 A @ 250 V AC | 0.25" | UL Listed, UL 508 | 0000000 | 00000 |
| 2 | 2 Off (Normally Open) or 2 On (Normally Closed) | Stays Switched (Maintained) | 6 | DPDT | 21 A @ 250 V AC | 0.25" | CE Marked, CSA Certified, UL Listed, UL 508 | 0000000 | 00000 |
Surface-Mount Temperature Switches
Often used to control heat cable output, these switches maintain your surface’s temperature by turning equipment on or off when they reach a set temperature. They actuate when the temperature rises to the setpoint and reset when the temperature falls below the reset point. Since they're SPDT (single pole, double throw) switches, they control one circuit and can either be wired to turn one device from on to off (normally closed) or from off to on (normally open). Wire them normally closed to power a heater—when the temperature rises to the setpoint, the heater will turn off until the temperature falls below the reset point. Or wire them normally open to turn on alarms or other devices when the temperature rises above the setpoint. Their setpoint isn’t adjustable, so they’re easy to set up and there’s no risk of unintentional changes.
CSA and CSA-US certified, they meet Canadian and American safety standards.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Mounting Holes | SPDT | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuation Point, °F | Actuation Tolerance | Approx. Difference Between Setpoint and Reset Point, °F | Max. Switching Current @ Voltage (Electrical Phase) | Ht. | Wd. | No. of | Dia. | Specifications Met | Each | |
Nonadjustable Rising Actuation Point | ||||||||||
| 47° | ±6° F | 10° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 1 1/8" | 2" | 2 | 3/16" | CSA Certified, CSA-US Certified | 0000000 | 0000000 |
| 60° | ±6° F | 15° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 1 1/8" | 2" | 2 | 3/16" | CSA Certified, CSA-US Certified | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 75° | ±6° F | 15° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 1 1/8" | 2" | 2 | 3/16" | CSA Certified, CSA-US Certified | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 105° | ±6° F | 15° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 1 1/8" | 2" | 2 | 3/16" | CSA Certified, CSA-US Certified | 0000000 | 000000 |
| 200° | ±6° F | 15° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 1 1/8" | 2" | 2 | 3/16" | CSA Certified, CSA-US Certified | 0000000 | 000000 |
Harsh Environment Surface-Mount Temperature Switches
An airtight seal on these switches blocks out dust, dirt and moisture. They maintain your surface’s temperature by turning equipment on or off when they reach a set temperature. These switches actuate when the temperature rises to the setpoint and reset when the temperature falls below the reset point. Since they're SPDT (single pole, double throw) switches, they control one circuit and can either be wired to turn one device from on to off (normally closed) or from off to on (normally open). Wire them normally closed to power a heater—when the temperature rises to the setpoint, the heater will turn off until the temperature falls below the reset point. Or wire them normally open to turn on alarms or other devices when the temperature rises above the setpoint. Their setpoint isn’t adjustable, so they’re easy to set up and there’s no risk of unintentional changes.
CSA-US and CSA certified, they also meet American and Canadian safety standards.
For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.
Mounting Holes | SPDT | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuation Point, °F | Actuation Tolerance | Approx. Difference Between Setpoint and Reset Point, °F | Max. Switching Current @ Voltage (Electrical Phase) | Ht. | Wd. | No. of | Dia. | Specifications Met | Each | |
Nonadjustable Rising Actuation Point | ||||||||||
| 47° | ±6° F | 10° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 2 15/16" | 2" | 2 | 11/64" | CSA-US Certified, CSA Certified | 00000000 | 0000000 |
| 60° | ±6° F | 15° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 2 15/16" | 2" | 2 | 11/64" | CSA-US Certified, CSA Certified | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 75° | ±6° F | 15° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 2 15/16" | 2" | 2 | 11/64" | CSA-US Certified, CSA Certified | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 105° | ±6° F | 15° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 2 15/16" | 2" | 2 | 11/64" | CSA-US Certified, CSA Certified | 00000000 | 000000 |
| 200° | ±6° F | 15° | 15 A @ 240 V AC (Single) | 2 15/16" | 2" | 2 | 11/64" | CSA-US Certified, CSA Certified | 00000000 | 000000 |