Electrical Switches

An electrical switch is a commonly used device for making, breaking, or changing the course of an electric circuit. There are different types of electrical switches being manufactured for use in different applications.

 

Composition of Electrical Switches
It consists of two or more contacts that are mounted on an insulating structure and is so arranged that they can be moved into and out of contact with each other with the help of a suitable operating mechanism.

The two contacts in a switch are made of metal and the metal is chosen keeping in mind the resistance to corrosion, as most metals are likely to form insulating oxides, which further prevents the switch from working. Contacts in a switch are often plated with noble metal. The switch also has an actuator - a moving part that is used for applying operating force to the contacts.

Arrangement of Contacts
All electrical Switches can be classified according to the arrangement of contacts. While few contacts are normally open until closed by operation of the switch, others are normally closed and opened by the switch action. An electrical switch having both types of contact is known as a changeover switch.

Two terms are used for describing the switch contacts-pole and throw. While a pole is a set of contacts belonging to a single circuit. A throw is one of the positions that can be adopted in a switch. Both the terms have given rise to certain abbreviations that are used for different types of switches in the electronics industry. In British and American English, the terms two way and three way have different meanings.

Types of Electrical Switches
There are various types of electrical switches available in the market for use in different applications. The type of switch will differ for use in industries, residence and various heavy application areas. Some of the switches being used are:

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