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Electrical Parts, Controls, & Devices Part 4

Switches:

Terms describing switch properties

Open:

Off position, offering infinite resistance to a circuit.

Closed:

On position, offering zero resistance to a circuit.

Pole:

Number of contact sets.

Throw:

Number of conducting positions. (Single or double)

Way:

Number of conducting positions. (Three or more)

Momentary:

A switch that returns to its normal position when released.

Types of switches

On-Off Switch SPST:
(Single Pole, Single Throw)

An on-off switch allows current to flow only when it is in the closed or on position.

2-Way Switch SPDT:
(Single Pole Double Throw)

A 2-way switch directs the flow of current to one of two routes according to its position. Some SPDT switches have a central off position.

Relay:

relay

A relay is an electrically operated switch, commonly used in appliance control boards.

Pressure sensing switch:

washer pressure switch

This style of switch has a pressure sensing mechanism inside it, usually a diaphragm, which flexes as pressure increases and opens or closes a switch as the pressure reaches a specific level. These switches are commonly used in washing machines to sense the amount of water that has entered the washtub and prevent overflow.

Push to Make Switch:

A push to make switch allows current to flow when the switch is pressed.

Push to Break Switch:

This type of push switch is normally closed (on) it is open (off) only when the button is pressed.

Dual On-Off Switch DPST
(Double Pole Single Throw):

A dual on-off switch.Two switches that open and close at the same time.

Reversing Switch DPDT
(Double Pole Double Throw):

appliance switch 6

This switch can be used to change the direction of a motor.

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