Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a switch base according to the invention, blanked members are prepared, each having a common strip formed at a lower part thereof, a plurality of finger-shaped pieces extending from the common strip, fixed contact portions formed on distal end portions of respective ones of the finger-shaped pieces, and terminal portions situated between respective ones of the fixed contact portions and the common strip. Next, indentically shaped blanked members are superimposed in such a manner that the fixed contact portions thereof are spaced away from one another, and the blanked members are assembled together with the fixed contact portions being arrayed in a plurality of rows and the terminal portions being arrayed in a single row. Thereafter, a resin is molded between the fixed contact portions and the terminal portions to form a base, and the common strips are cut away to manufacture a switch base.

Abstract: A small, low-power switch, such as a toggle switch, includes a plastic housing which surrounds a switching contact assembly and provides a mounting for an electrically conductive handle. To ensure adequate grounding of the handle, the housing is made of two parts. A first portion made of insulating plastic surrounds the switching contact assembly and insulates it from the handle, as well as other components. A second portion made of conductive plastic is integrally molded to the first portion and is in electrical contact with the handle. The second portion also includes suitable structure for adapting the switch to be mounted on, or otherwise connected to, a grounded conductor, to thereby ground the handle.