There are different types of mechanical switches which can be additionally categorized on the basis of power handling capacity, number of poles & throws (SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT, DPMT etc), construction and operation, number of contacts, holding state (Locked & Momentary). Mechanical switch is a switch in which two metal plates (switch contacts) touch each other to make a physical contact for the current to flow through it and separate from each other to interrupt the flow of current. Now let’s discuss them in detail one by one in this article.

Switches can also be categories on many different bases and factors. Generally, Switches can be categorized as.īoth of these types of switches are widely used in electrical and electronics applications where the selection of switch type depends on the system requirements and system needs in which they are going to be incorporated. In simple words, momentary switch holds the state only when the specific command is presented only. Examples: Push buttons, electric drill, push-down buttons in the blowers etc. When the pressure is removed, it returns to the previous state both in position and operation. In short, the latch switch holds its state whether ON or OFF until the new commands initiated.Ī Momentary Switch is a switch which maintains its state as long as the button is pressed and actuated. Examples: Push to Make, Push to Break or a common example as a light switch. Latching Switches & Momentary Switches.Ī Latched Switch (Aka Maintained Switch or Locked Switch) is known to be a switch which maintains its last state until it is automatically or manually forced to change the position. The operation of switch can be defined via two ways i.e. Good to Know: Switches are always wired on Hot (Phase or Line) Wire. For example, the NO (Normally Open) and NC (Normally Closed) are Single Throw which is used to control the circuit by making/breaking contacts of the switch. The Throw indicates the number of contacts in a switch. A Pole represents the number of operations controlled by a single switch. The controlling operation of a switch can be defined by its “ Pole” and “ Throw“. and so on.Īs a switch is used to control the ON & OFF operation of the device, the various types of switches are designed for different applications based on the characteristics, properties and features of switches. staircase wiring, corridor & hallway wiring, hostel wiring, godown wiring, tunnel wiring, hospital wiring etc. Additionally, Intermediate switches (4-Way switch) are used to control the lighting from two different locations e.g. Similarly, a two pole (2-Way Switch) can be used to control two circuits or two operations of a device.

For example, a single pole switch can be used to control the OFF and ON operation of a light bulb. There are multiple applications of switches such as basic light and toggle switches for ON and OFF operations for lighting points, fans, computers, printers, blowers in the residential and commercial buildings, automobiles, computers & mobiles, robotic and sensitive aerospace and military applications.Īs there are multiple types of switches which are used for different and designed applications. switch is ON hence the light bulb is ON and glowing.Īs switches play an important role in the controlling systems, this way, you may notice them everywhere even for tiny devices as well as large appliances.

On the right side, the contacts of the switch are closed e.g. the contracts of switch are open) hence the light bulb is OFF. In fig (left side) the switch is OFF (i.e.

In simple words, a switch is used to control the circuit operation by activating or deactivating the whole or certain parts or processes of a connected circuit.Ĭonsider the following basic circuit diagram showing the working and controlling of ON/OFF operation of a light bulb. In other words, an electrical switch is a controlling device, which interrupts the flow of electric current or changes the direction of current in a circuit.Īlmost all the electrical and electronic systems use at least one switch to control the ON and OFF operations of the device. 2PMT & 2P6T (Two Pole, Six Throw & Two Pole, Multiple Throw)Ī switch is a device which is used to make or break an electric circuit automatically or manually.

Year walk switch