ON-OFF-ON Slide Switch 3 Position 6 Pin
ON-OFF-ON Slide Switch – 3 Position, 6-Pin DPDT
Overview:
The ON-OFF-ON Slide Switch is a 3-position DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) switch that allows you to control two separate circuits with a center-off functionality. It has 6 pins, making it ideal for mode selection, signal routing, or reversing motor polarity. In the center position, both circuits are disconnected (OFF). In the left and right positions, each circuit connects to its respective path (ON).
It’s great for Arduino, robotics, manual motor control, and other electronics applications that need a physical toggle between two modes or signals with an OFF state in between.
Key Features:
Type: DPDT – 6 pins
Switching Action: ON-OFF-ON (3 positions)
Controls two circuits independently
Center position is OFF, left/right are ON
Through-hole design for easy PCB mounting
Durable metal actuator with tactile feel
Great for motor reversing, power control, or mode toggling
Technical Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Slide |
| Configuration | DPDT (6-pin) |
| Positions | 3 (ON–OFF–ON) |
| Number of Poles | 2 |
| Number of Throws | 2 |
| Center Position | OFF (disconnected) |
| Voltage Rating | 12V DC max (recommended) |
| Current Rating | 0.5A to 1A (varies by model) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole (THT) |
| Pin Pitch | 2.54mm (breadboard friendly) |
| Actuator Type | Slide (metal lever) |
| Body Size | ~13mm × 6mm × 5mm |
Pinout:
The switch has two rows of 3 pins:
A1 ──● ●── B1 \ / COM ──● ●── COM / \ A2 ──● ●── B2
Middle Pins (COM): Common terminals
Outer Pins (A/B): Connected to COM depending on slide position
Left Position: COM ↔ A
Center Position: OFF (no connection)
Right Position: COM ↔ B
Wiring Example – Motor Direction Control:
| Switch Pins | Usage |
|---|---|
| COM (center) | Connect to motor terminals |
| A1/A2 | Connect to VCC / GND |
| B1/B2 | Connect to GND / VCC |
| → Slide switch left or right to reverse motor direction | |
| → Center = motor OFF |
Applications:
Manual motor direction control
Select between two power sources or signals
Audio routing (e.g., channel selection)
User-selectable mode switch in Arduino/MCU projects
Toggle between auto/manual or onboard/offboard modes
Resources:
📘 Tutorial – How Slide Switches Work (SparkFun):
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/switch-basics/all🎥 YouTube Video – ON-OFF-ON Switch Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gVgkYVAFa4📄 Datasheet Example (DPDT Slide Switch):
https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Components/Misc/Switch.pdf