Switches or switches are devices that act as connectors and circuit breakers. In electronic circuits and electrical circuits the switch functions to connect and disconnect the electric current flowing from a voltage source to the load (output) or from one system to another. The following are some types of switches based on the construction of each switch.
Top, from left to right: Circuit Breaker, Mercury Switch, Wafer Switch, DIP Switch, Surface Mount Switch, Reed Switch. Down, from left to right: Wall Switch, Miniature Toggle Switch, In-Line Switch, Push-Button Switch, Rocker Switch, Micro Switch.
Types, Symbols, and Sample Switches
Information:
- On: Connected Position
- Off: Unconnected Position
- Push: Press
- Pole: Number of contactors
- Throw: Number of Conductor Position (connected)
- Open: Open (Off Position)
- Close: Closed (On Position)
- Break: Off (Unconnected Position)
- SPST (Single Pole Single Throw)
- SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw)
- SPXT (Single Pole X Trow) X = Throw count, for example SP6T (Single Pole 16 Throw)
- DPST (Double Pole Single Throw)
- DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw)
- DPXT (Double Pole X Throw) x = Throw count, for example DP4T (Double Pole 4 Throw)
- Push Button Switch
- Push Break Switch
SPDT, SPST, Push-On, and Push-Off Symbols
DIP Switch symbol
DPDT Switch Symbol