Abstract: An electric switch, preferably with means of illumination, is of liquid-protected design and includes parts which can largely be assembled automatically. A switch housing (2) is substantially closed in the upper region and is provided with a bottom opening (11) in the lower region. A switching pin (5) of an operating element (6) passes through a small upper opening (4) into the housing and operates a contact bridge (18). The contact bridge (18) selectively connects a middle plug terminal (12) electrically with an outer plug terminal (25). An illumination unit (30) may be integrated into corresponding recesses in the housing. All parts can be fitted in a straight line into the housing through the corresponding openings (11, 4) during automatic assembly.