

The first pole, with three terminals, is comprised of A, B, and C. DPDT Electric Power SwitchĪ double pole double throw switch is comprised of two SPDTs. In essence, a DPST is made up of two SPSTs, but is controlled by one mechanism. Because there is only one position in which these poles operate, it is a single throw device. Simultaneously, the second pole, comprised of terminals C and C, connects. The first pole is comprised of terminals A and B, which connect. In a double pole, single throw switch, there are two poles-two sets of connectors-but only one viable position they connect. It is said to be “double throw” because there are two positions this switch can operate-A is either connected to B, or A is connected to C. In this case, there are three terminals-one terminal (A), faces two opposing terminals (B and C) and can be connected either, depending on the mode. SPDT Electric SwitchĪ single pole double throw switch can also be called a changeover switch. A light switch is a good example of a SPST switch. It is a simple on-off switch, so when the switch is open no electricity flows, but when it’s closed the contacts meet and electricity is transferred. This switch’s mnemonic stands for “single pole, single throw.” The switch consists of one set of electrical contacts, so it has two terminals, one from each contact. Types of Basic Electrical Switchesīelow we list a few of the most common types of basic electrical switch. Types of electrical switches are usually named according to their pole and throw configurations. A throw refers to the multiple positions contacts can assume, which usually corresponds to the number of poles. A pole refers to a set of contacts that are part of a single circuit. Pole and throw are two common terms that refer to the manner in which tow contacts in a circuit interact. Switches are normally classified based on their contacts.Įlectrical switch contacts can have a variety of configurations, and are therefore accompanied by a variety of terminology.

Occasionally, conductive plastic can be used as contact material. Additionally, the electrical contacts should be wear resistant, relatively low cost, and possess high mechanical strength. When it comes to electrical contacts, they usually consist of corrosion resistant metal so as to prevent insulating oxides from developing-if the metal oxidizes, the flow of electricity can be inhibited and the circuit may not work properly. When the switch is closed, however, the electrical contacts touch and electricity flows throughout the circuit. When the switch is open, the electrical contacts do not touch and electricity cannot flow.
Electric on off switch manual#
The most common form of electric power switch is a basic manual electromechanical unit. An electric switch is responsible for allowing or inhibiting the transfer of electricity in an electrical circuit.
