DIP Switch Diagrams and DIP Switch styles

Engineering Definitions
"A" "B" "C", "D", "E", "F", "G", "H", "I", "J", "K", "L", "M",
"N", "O", "P", "Q", "R", "S", "T", "U", "V", "W", "X", "Y", "Z"

DIP Switch Diagrams

DIP Switches. Mechanical switches in a Dual In-line Package [DIP]. The package follows the same style as an Integrated Circuit [IC] in a DIP package. There are a number of different styles, all in a DIP layout. Several of the packages are shown below. The terminations shown are through-hole PWB mount, but Gull Wing terminations are also available. Each of the switch types shown below are in the common 0.30 width, the same as standard integrated circuits. The normal number of switches range from 2 to 12 positions. Companies that make DIP Switches.

Note that by the nature of there size, DIP switches are low current and low voltage. For additional guide lines refer to the design recommendations on How to Derate a Switches.
Another related topic is the definition of Switch Bounce, as it relates to switch movement.

DIP Slide Switch. There are two common styles of Slide switches in a DIP package; a recessed slide switch and an Extended [non-recessed] slide switch. The recessed slide switch has a actuator level with the body of the switch while a non-recessed slide switch has an actuator that rises above the level of the switch body.
In addition either of those two styles may be found in a horizontal mount or vertical mount [right angle].
Function; Single Position Single Throw [SPST].

Slide Switch; Recessed actuator, horizontal mount, through-hole

DIP Slide Switch

DIP Rocker Switch. There are two common styles of Rocker switches in a DIP package; a recessed rocker switch and an Extended [non-recessed] rocker switch. The recessed slide switch has a actuator level with the body of the switch while a non-recessed slide switch has an actuator that rises above the level of the switch body.
In addition either of those two styles may be found in a horizontal mount or vertical mount [right angle]. The vertical mount rocker switch is some times also called a Piano switch.
Function; Single Position Single Throw [SPST].

DIP Toggle Switch

DIP Piano Switch. There are two common styles of Piano switches in a DIP package; a recessed Piano switch and an Extended [non-recessed] Piano switch. The recessed slide switch has a actuator level with the body of the switch while a non-recessed slide switch has an actuator that rises above the level of the switch body.
A Piano switch has the actuator on the side of the switch body.
Function; Single Position Single Throw [SPST].

DIP Piano Switch

DIP Switch Profile; Normal and low profile. The slide switch [above] is a low profile version, the other two switches have a normal profile.
DIP Switch Colors; Body; Black, Gray, Red, Blue. Actuator; White.
DIP Switch Packaging; Switches are supplied in standard IC tubes or tape and reel
Note; A top tape seal is required for switches that are machine soldered or heavily cleaned after hand soldering.

Tri-State DIP Switch
Unfortunately there is another graphic missing, one that shows a tri-state DIP switch. Yes they do make 3-state switches in DIP packages. Of course being in one of the same packages already shown, they would look almost identical. The major difference would be that there were three possible switch positions shown on the face of the switch, and than the number of pins on the package. A tri-state switch is not just a straight on-off for each switch location. For example an 8 position switch will have 8 pins, on one side of the body, for each of the different switch circuits. On the other side of the switch will be only 2 [A and B] or 3 pins. So a tri-state switch will connect the circuits to either position 'A' or position 'B', or neither, making it a 3-state switch. Note, however, that this is a ganged switch instead of having 8 individual switch circuits.

Double-Pole Double-Throw DIP Switch

Not all switch circuits are single pole single throw. These examples show Double-Pole Double-Throw switches. The connection diagram is shown to the right. As the graphic show DPDT switches are available in the same packages as SPST switches, using the same board spacing of 0.3 inches.

DPDT DIP Switch

Double-Pole Double-Throw DIP Rocker Switch
This example shows a Recessed Rocker in a Double-Pole Double-Throw configuration. A recessed rocker is a switch with the rocker located below the surface level of the switch body.