Definition
An electrical switch operated by sliding a small button or lever along a track to open or close a circuit. The sliding motion moves an internal contact between two or more positions, connecting different terminals depending on where the slider rests.
Plain English
A switch you turn on or off by sliding a small button back and forth instead of flipping it like a light switch.
Context Anchor
Seen on some aircraft panels, lighting controls, portable equipment, and installed accessories where a small straight-moving switch is used.
Why Pilots Care
Provides clear, positive positioning that reduces accidental activation during flight operations.
Intuition Check
Do not read “slide” as describing the electricity. It describes how the switch is moved: the control slides in a straight line.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot moved the slide switch to the ON position to power up the panel lights before night flight.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight check, all slide switches were verified in the off position.