Slide Switch Symbol

The Slide Switch schematic symbol. Standard-specific details are listed below where available.

Definition: The Slide Switch symbol represents a maintained-contact SPDT (single-pole double-throw) switch in which a sliding actuator physically moves a contact blade between two positions, used in schematic diagrams per IEC 60617 and ANSI Y32.2 / IEEE 315 to denote a component with three terminals (A, B, and C) where the common pin C is connected to either terminal A or terminal B depending on the slider position.

Also known as: SPDT slide switch, slider switch, panel slide switch, miniature slide switch, on-off slide switch.

What the Slide Switch symbol means

The Slide Switch symbol identifies a three-terminal mechanical switch whose state is set by sliding a knob or actuator along a track. In one position the common contact (C) is connected to terminal A; in the other position it connects to terminal B. A centre-off variant adds a third stable position in which C is disconnected from both A and B.

In circuit diagrams the slide switch is used wherever a compact, panel-mount or PCB-mount switch is needed to permanently select between two signal paths or to open/close a single circuit. The maintained-contact nature means the switch retains its last set position indefinitely, unlike a momentary push button.

How to identify the Slide Switch symbol

The Slide Switch symbol is drawn as a single-pole double-throw switch graphic: a common pin (C) at the centre-top, two output pins (A and B) at the left and right ends of a horizontal track, and a movable contact shown as an arrow or bar that can touch either the A or B terminal. Some simplified representations show it as two separate SPST symbols sharing a common pin, or as a rectangular block with three labelled external terminals.

Function and usage boundary

A slide switch opens or closes circuit paths between its three terminals based on physical slider position. When the slider is in the A position, an electrical path exists between C and A while C and B is open. When moved to the B position, C connects to B while C and A is open. This SPDT action makes the slide switch suitable for signal routing, power-source selection, and mode switching without any separate driver circuitry.

Standards: IEC vs ANSI

IEC 60617	IEC 60617-07 defines switch symbols. A slide switch in SPDT configuration is represented as a two-throw switch with a maintained-contact operator symbol (no spring-return arrow). IEC 61058-1 governs the safety requirements for switches for appliances.
ANSI/IEEE 315	ANSI Y32.2 / IEEE 315 represents SPDT switches as a single pole with two throw contacts. The designator is S (switch) followed by a reference number. ANSI/NEMA does not define a unique slide-switch symbol distinct from other SPDT mechanical switches.
Key difference	IEC 60617 and ANSI Y32.2 / IEEE 315 produce essentially the same SPDT switch symbol for a slide switch. The IEC symbol may include a maintained-contact qualifier; ANSI uses the standard two-throw SPDT schematic symbol. Neither standard distinguishes between slider, rocker, and toggle actuation mechanisms at the symbol level.

The displayed SVG is the live editor implementation, not a licensed reproduction or certification of an IEC or IEEE database glyph. Verify the exact official entry and project edition before issuing work.

Logical terminals

Logical ID	Editor terminal name
a	A
b	B
c	C

Where the Slide Switch symbol is used

Battery-powered devices: power on/off slide switch between the battery positive terminal and the supply rail
Audio equipment: mono/stereo input selection or signal path routing on mixers and effects pedals
Prototype and hobby electronics: mode selection, feature enable/disable, and configuration on development boards
Consumer electronics: language, region, or sensitivity selection on remote controls and handheld devices
Toys and novelty products: motion or sound feature enable switches on PCB-mounted assemblies
PCB configuration jumpers: replacing solder bridges or DIP switches for factory or field configuration settings

Key facts

The slide switch symbol has three terminals: A (one output), B (the other output), and C (common/pole) — when slider is in position A, current flows C→A; when in position B, current flows C→B.
A slide switch is a maintained-contact device: it stays in whatever position it is moved to and does not spring back, distinguishing it from momentary-contact push buttons.
The SPDT configuration makes a slide switch suitable for A/B selection, polarity reversal, signal routing, and power-source switching using a single component.
PCB-mount micro slide switches are available in DIP footprints with 2.54 mm pin pitch, making them directly compatible with breadboards and standard PCB layouts without adapters.
Contact bounce occurs when a slide switch changes position — the contacts make and break several times over 1–10 ms before settling. Digital circuits reading the switch output require debounce filtering (hardware RC filter or software delay).
Slide switches rated for PCB mounting typically handle 0.1 A to 3 A; panel-mount types handle up to 5 A. The maximum voltage and current ratings must both be observed; exceeding either causes contact arcing and failure.
The IEC designator for a switch is S (switch) per IEC 60617; in ANSI Y32.2 / IEEE 315 drawings the designator is also S, followed by a sequential reference number such as S1 or SW1.

Frequently asked questions

What does the slide switch symbol look like?

The slide switch symbol shows a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) configuration: a common pin C at the centre connected by a movable contact bar to either terminal A or terminal B. The two throws A and B are at opposite ends of a horizontal track, and the sliding contact indicates which of the two positions is selected.

What does the slide switch symbol mean in a circuit diagram?

The slide switch symbol means there is a maintained-contact SPDT switch that physically connects its common terminal (C) to one of two output terminals (A or B) based on the physical position of its slider actuator. The switch retains its selected position until manually moved.

What are the three pins on a slide switch?

The three pins are A (first output terminal), B (second output terminal), and C (common or pole terminal). In position A, C is electrically connected to A and disconnected from B. In position B, C is connected to B and disconnected from A.

What is the difference between a slide switch and a toggle switch in a schematic?

Both a slide switch and a toggle switch are SPDT maintained-contact switches and use the same schematic symbol in IEC 60617 and ANSI Y32.2. The difference is purely mechanical: a slide switch has a linear sliding actuator; a toggle switch has a lever that tilts. The electrical function and schematic symbol are identical.

What standard defines the slide switch symbol?

IEC 60617-07 defines graphical symbols for switches including SPDT types. ANSI Y32.2 / IEEE 315 provides the North American equivalent. Safety requirements for switches in appliances are specified in IEC 61058-1. No standard defines a unique symbol exclusively for slide switches as distinct from other SPDT switch actuator types.

How do I debounce a slide switch in a circuit?

Hardware debounce: place a 10 kΩ resistor from C to VCC (or GND) and a 100 nF capacitor from the switch output to GND; the RC time constant (≈1 ms) filters the bounce pulses. Software debounce: after detecting a state change, wait 10–50 ms in firmware before reading the final stable state.

What is the current and voltage rating of a typical slide switch?

PCB-mount micro slide switches are typically rated 0.1 A to 3 A at 5 V DC to 250 V AC. Panel-mount slide switches handle up to 5 A at 250 V AC. Always check both the voltage and current ratings of the specific part; exceeding either causes contact arcing, increased contact resistance, and premature failure.

Related symbols

Physical breadboard, PCB, and panel mapping

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