Best Knife Switches of 2026
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Knife switches are a type of electrical switch that has been used for over a century in various applications. They are commonly found in electrical circuits where high power is required, such as in power distribution systems, industrial machinery, and laboratory experiments. A knife switch consists of a metal blade that can be manually rotated to make or break the electrical connection. They are reliable, durable, and easy to operate, making them a popular choice for many applications. Although they have been largely replaced by more modern switches, knife switches still have a place in certain industries and continue to be used by hobbyists and enthusiasts.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Knife Switches
QWORK Single Pole Knife Switch, 10 Pack
The QWORK Educational Single Pole Knife Switch is a durable and safe switch for making and breaking a single electrical connection circuit. With stability, visualization of electrical principle, screw terminal, and convenient wiring, this low voltage switch provides stability processing and visualization of electrical principles. It is perfect for schools to conduct on-off experiments of single electrical connection circuits, providing students with learning electrical and circuit principles. The package contains 10 Pcs Single Pole Single Throw Knife Switch.
Sci-Supply Mini Single Pole Knife Switch
The Sci-Supply Mini Knife Switch is a compact and practical tool ideal for simple electrical demonstrations. Its small size, measuring just 2 inches by 1 inch by 1 inch, makes it easy to handle and fit into tight spaces, perfect for educational or hobbyist use. This single-pole switch design allows you to control a circuit with a straightforward on/off action, simplifying your learning or project setup. Made from durable brass, it offers reliable conductivity and longevity, ensuring you get consistent performance every time you use it. This switch is a handy choice for anyone needing a basic, effective circuit control component.
XYRSTOLR 3Pcs SPDT Educational Knife Switch Set
The XYRSTOLR SPDT Knife Switch is designed to help you learn about electricity and circuits hands-on. Its compact size makes it easy to handle during experiments. Made with sturdy plastic and high-quality copper, this switch ensures safety and durability, so you can focus on learning without worry. The clear knife switch design lets you see how the electrical connections work, making it easier to understand the principles behind the circuits. With screw-type terminals, wiring is simple and secure, giving you a reliable connection every time. This switch is perfect for classroom use or home experiments where safety and visibility matter most.
tatoko 5PCS Educational Single Pole Knife Switch
The tatoko 5PCS Educational Single Pole Knife Switch is designed for students' classroom and laboratory experiments. The switch is a single-pole single-throw (SPST) type for making and breaking a single electrical connection circuit. It has a safe and visual knife-style switch for stable operation and a screw-type binding post for secure electrical connection. The switch is 7.5cm long, 3.5cm wide, and 0.9cm high. Its maximum working voltage is 36V.
AC 400V 200A Safety Knife Switch
This electric knife switch is a single pole, single throw (SPST) model that features a high voltage capacity of up to AC 400V and a current capacity of up to 200A, making it suitable for various applications. The switch has a compact size of 160 x 60 x 93mm (LWH) and a durable construction made of plastic and metal. Its yellow and black color and easy-to-install design make it a convenient choice for industrial use.
Baomain Electric Brake Safety Knife Switch HS11F-100/48
The Baomain Electric Brake Safety Knife Switch is a 4 Pole Double Throw device with a rating of 380V 100A. The switch is easy to install with a 6.6mm hole diameter and 110 x 91mm hole distance. The switch size is approximately 220 x 170 x 110mm and weighs 976g.
YXQ HK1A-100/3 DG 3 Pole Knife Switch
The YXQ 3 Pole Knife Switch is designed to handle up to 100 amps of current, making it a reliable choice for managing your power supply safely. With its three poles, you can control multiple circuits at once, giving you greater flexibility in your electrical setup. The switch supports a voltage rating of 380 volts AC, suitable for many industrial and heavy-duty applications. Its double throw design lets you easily switch between two different power sources or circuits, enhancing your control and convenience when managing your electrical systems.
QWORK Double Pole Double Throw Cutter Switch 4 Pack
The QWORK Double Pole Switch is made with sturdy, high-quality materials, giving you a durable tool that lasts through many uses. It works safely with a maximum voltage of 36V, which means you can rely on it for consistent electrical connections without worry. This switch is designed for low voltage and low current, making it perfect for DC power supplies, so you can easily perform stable and clear electrical experiments. Ideal for classrooms, it helps students learn by turning circuits on and off safely, though it’s meant for lab use only and not for home wiring. This pack includes four switches, providing plenty for educational projects.
AXLIZER Double Pole Double Throw Electrical Switch
The AXLIZER Double Pole Double Throw Electrical Switch is a safe and durable teaching instrument made of hard plastic and high-quality pure copper. The switch provides stability and visualization of electrical principles, making it easy for students to learn about the principles of electricity and circuits. The switch has a screw-type binding post for easy wiring and is easy to reconfigure for classroom use. The knife switch is low voltage and low current for low voltage DC power supply, suitable for home school and physics laboratory experiments. The bakelite base isolates the current, and the switch blade of double pole double throw is suitable for hobby use.
YXQ AC 400V 200A Safety Knife Switch DPST
The YXQ AC 400V 200A Safety Knife Switch DPST, also known as the YXQ Safety Knife Switch, is a versatile and reliable electrical switch. With its double pole single throw (DPST) design, this switch allows for easy control of electrical circuits. Made from durable metal, it can handle power up to AC 400V 200A, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The switch features an easy installation process with a 6.4mm hole diameter and a 137mm hole distance. The thread diameter for connecting cables is 7.7mm, ensuring secure connections. With its compact size of 160 x 115 x 100mm and lightweight design of 707g, it is convenient to use and transport. Whether you need to control power supply in industrial settings or residential applications, the YXQ AC 400V 200A Safety Knife Switch DPST is a reliable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a knife switch used for?
A knife switch is a type of switch used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. It consists of a metal lever, or knife, that can be lifted or inserted into a slot to open or close the circuit. It is commonly used in various applications to control the electrical current.
2. What is a knife switch that opens a circuit?
A knife switch that opens a circuit is a classic ON/OFF switch. It can be used to close or open a circuit by rotating the lever down or raising it up. This type of switch is often used in different settings, such as controlling machinery or gates.
3. Is a knife switch safe?
Knife switches can pose safety risks, especially when handling high currents. Open knife switches have been replaced by safety switches with metal housings and current-carrying contacts that can only be opened when the power is removed. This helps prevent fire or explosion hazards.
4. Why is it so important to operate knife switches quickly?
Operating knife switches quickly is important for two reasons. Firstly, it helps to extinguish any arc that may be present during the opening or closing of the switch. Secondly, some knife switches do not have arc extinguishing covers, so quick operation can help minimize the risk of loading operations.
5. Is a knife switch manually operated?
Yes, knife switches are manually operated. They are designed for easy and flexible operation, allowing them to be easily connected to the circuit. They often have self-cleaning blade contacts, making them suitable for use in environments with pollution or dirt.
6. Are knife switches rated for more than 1200 amps at 250 volts?
Knife switches rated for more than 1200 amps at 250 volts or over 1000 amps at 251 to 1000 volts should only be used as isolating switches and should not be opened under load. It is important to adhere to the proper ratings and guidelines to ensure safe and effective use of knife switches.
During our knife switch research, we found 24 knife switch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,886 customer reviews through our big data system to write the knife switches list. We found that most customers choose knife switches with an average price of $13.43.
The knife switches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of knife switches, including QWORK, Sci-Supply, XYRSTOLR, tatoko, YXQ. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,215 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.