Switches

An electric switch is a mechanical device capable of making or breaking a connection in an electrical circuit. They come in a wide assortment of rocker, piano types, rotary, slide switches and many more. Let us explore the differences and a guide on choosing the right one.

Many switches may look alike from the outside, but they differ in their function, material, colours, size, and many more factors. Their function is defined by the number of poles and throws it has. Poles are basically different circuits that switch controls, whereas throws mean the unique positions or setting for the switch. The simplest type is SPST, i.e. single pole, single throw. It functions as an on-off switch. The other common types include single pole double throw, double pole single throw, and double pole double throw switches. Similarly, you will hear many names in the market like light, isolator, breaker, and interlocks. And the list does not end here! So, on this page, we will tell you things you need to know so that you can choose the best quality electrical switch.

Exploring some common types of switches

They come in assorted options based on their material, built, design, brand, function and many more factors. For example, a footswitch controls power in a circuit by foot pressure, whereas a push button is a simple switch that controls some aspects of a process or a machine. Some can be manually controlled, whereas others have an automatic operation. There are many types for various purposes. They even differ based on current ratings. Like, 6A/10A works fine for lights and fans, but a high rating is required when it comes to appliances like air-conditioners and geysers.  Read on to explore some of the common types and their functions.

Light switch

It is the type that we commonly use to operate lights or other permanently connected equipment. One of the most common household switches is a single-pole two-terminal switch. It has the simple function of turning the power on and off. Similarly, a three-way type will have three terminals, and a four-terminal has four. They can control lighting from multiple locations, like from the top and bottom of a stairway. On the other hand, a dimmer is another type that controls the intensity of light. Apart from cheap electrical light switches like rotary and toggle, you can even get your hands on advanced options that can do things like turning on the light when you walk in, altering the fan’s speed, letting you know if a remote light is on and off and many more.

Circuit breaker switch

It refers to an automatically operated electrical switch that protects an electrical circuit from an overload of electrical flow. If you do not have a protective electrical switch for your home or office, then this surge of electricity can damage your appliances and electronic equipment. So, a circuit breaker saves you here! It is not like a fuse that you need to replace after the operation. A circuit breaker can be reset automatically or manually to resume the normal operation. You can find many types varying based on their functionality, amp capacities and locations you want to apply them.

Centrifugal switch

It is a type that operates through centrifugal force. One of the most common applications includes its use in single-phase, split-phase induction motors. It disconnects the starting winding of the motor when it reaches its normal operating speed. The other application include clothes dryers, traditional fans, aircraft and more. Although, the functions may differ. For example, a clothes dryer supplies power to the motor in parallel with the start switch. This switch keeps supplying power as the motor continues to run. But when something jams and lowers its speed, then the switch cuts off the power.

Timer switches

It basically refers to a timer that operates an electrical switch. A timer is capable of switching on/off equipment at a preset time or cyclically. There are a lot of fascinating examples you can find around yourself. A central heating system that heats for some time in the morning and evening and all day on weekends. The next one is a coffee maker that may power on itself so that you can have a fresh coffee brewed when you wake up. They may also be based on some sensors. For example, when there is darkness, they may switch on the light automatically. Some of the common applications of timers include lighting, washing machines, cooling, and heating system in a building and more.