Switch - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 1 of 10

Switch
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In electronics, a switch is an electrical component

that can break an electrical circuit, interrupting the
current or diverting it from one conductor to
another.[1][2] The most familiar form of switch is a
manually operated electromechanical device with
one or more sets of electrical contacts. Each set of
contacts can be in one of two states: either 'closed'
meaning the contacts are touching and electricity
can flow between them, or 'open', meaning the
contacts are separated and nonconducting.

A switch may be directly manipulated by a human

as a control signal to a system, such as a computer
keyboard button, or to control power flow in a
Electrical switches. Top, left to right: circuit
circuit, such as a light switch. Automatically
operated switches can be used to control the motions breaker, mercury switch, wafer switch, DIP switch,
of machines, for example, to indicate that a garage surface mount switch, reed switch. Bottom, left to
door has reached its full open position or that a right: wall switch (U.S. style), miniature toggle
machine tool is in a position to accept another switch, in-line switch, push-button switch, rocker
workpiece. Switches may be operated by process switch, microswitch.
variables such as pressure, temperature, flow,
current, voltage, and force, acting as sensors in a
process and used to automatically control a system. For example, a thermostat is a temperature-operated
switch used to control a heating process. A switch that is operated by another electrical circuit is called a
relay. Large switches may be remotely operated by a motor drive mechanism. Some switches are used to
isolate electric power from a system, providing a visible point of isolation that can be pad-locked if
necessary to prevent accidental operation of a machine during maintenance, or to prevent electric shock.

Contents
■ 1 In circuit theory
■ 2 Contacts
■ 2.1 Contact terminology
■ 2.2 Contact bounce
■ 2.3 Arcs and quenching
■ 2.4 Power switching
■ 2.5 Inductive loads
■ 3 Actuator
■ 3.1 Biased switches
■ 3.2 Toggle switch
■ 4 Special types
■ 4.1 Mercury tilt switch
■ 4.2 Knife switch
■ 4.3 Footswitch

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■ 4.4 Reversing switch

■ 5 Light switches
■ 6 Electronic switches
■ 7 See also
■ 8 References
■ 9 External links

In circuit theory
In electronics engineering, an ideal switch describes a switch that:

■ has no current limit during its ON state

■ has infinite resistance during its OFF state
■ has no voltage drop across the switch during its ON state
■ has no voltage limit during its OFF state
■ has zero rise time and fall time during state changes
■ switches only once without "bouncing" between on and off positions

Practical switches have loss and limitation. The ideal switch is often used in circuit analysis as it greatly
simplifies the system of equations to be solved, however this can lead to a less accurate solution.

Contacts
In the simplest case, a switch has two conductive pieces, often metal, called
contacts that touch to complete (make) a circuit, and separate to open (break) the
circuit. The contact material is chosen for its resistance to corrosion, because most
metals form insulating oxides that would prevent the switch from working. Contact
materials are also chosen on the basis of electrical conductivity, hardness
(resistance to abrasive wear), mechanical strength, low cost and low toxicity.[3]

Sometimes the contacts are plated with noble metals. They may be designed to wipe
against each other to clean off any contamination. Nonmetallic conductors, such as A toggle switch
conductive plastic, are sometimes used.
in the "on"
position.
Contact terminology
A pair of contacts is said to be "closed" when current can flow from one to the other. When the contacts
are separated by an insulating air gap, they are said to be "open", and no current can flow between them
at normal voltages.

Switches are classified according to the arrangement of their contacts in electronics. Electricians
installing building wiring use different nomenclature, such as "one-way", "two-way", "three-way" and
"four-way" switches, which have different meanings in North American and British cultural regions as
described in the table below.

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In a push-button type switch, in which the contacts

remain in one state unless actuated, the contacts can
either be normally open (abbreviated "n.o." or "no")
until closed by operation of the switch, or normally
closed ("n.c. or "nc") and opened by the switch
action. A switch with both types of contact is called
a changeover switch. These may be "make-before-
break" which momentarily connect both circuits, or
may be "break-before-make" which interrupts one
circuit before closing the other.

The terms pole and throw are also used to describe

switch contact variations. The number of "poles" is
the number of separate circuits which are controlled Triple Pole Single Throw (TPST or 3PST) knife
by a switch. For example, a "2-pole" switch has two
switch used to short the windings of a 3 phase wind
separate identical sets of contacts controlled by the
same knob. The number of "throws" is the number turbine for braking purposes. Here the switch is
of separate positions that the switch can adopt. A shown in the open position.
single-throw switch has one pair of contacts that can
either be closed or open. A double-throw switch has a contact that can be connected to either of two
other contacts, a triple-throw has a contact which can be connected to one of three other contacts, etc.[4]

These terms give rise to abbreviations for the types of switch which are used in the electronics industry
such as "single-pole, single-throw" (SPST) (the simplest type, "on or off") or "single-pole, double-
throw" (SPDT), connecting either of two terminals to the common terminal. In electrical power wiring
(i.e. House and building wiring by electricians) names generally involving the suffixed word "-way" are
used; however, these terms differ between British and American English and the terms two way and
three way are used in both with different meanings.

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Electronics Expansion British American

specification of mains electrical
Description Symbol
and abbreviation wiring wiring
abbreviation name name
A simple on-off switch:
The two terminals are
Single pole, either connected together
SPST One-way Two-way
single throw or disconnected from
each other. An example is
a light switch.
A simple changeover
Single pole, switch: C (COM,
SPDT Two-way Three-way
double throw Common) is connected to
L1 or to L2.
Single pole Similar to SPDT. Some
changeover suppliers use SPCO/SPTT
or for switches with a stable
SPCO
Single pole, off position in the centre
SPTT, c.o.
centre off or and SPDT for those
Single Pole,
Triple Throw without.[citation needed]

Equivalent to two SPST

Double pole, Double
DPST Double pole switches controlled by a
single throw pole
single mechanism

Equivalent to two SPDT

switches controlled by a
Double pole, single mechanism: A is
DPDT
double throw connected to B and D to
E, or A is connected to C
and D to F.
Equivalent to DPDT.
Double pole
Some suppliers use
changeover
DPCO for switches with
DPCO or Double
a stable off position in the
pole, centre
centre and DPDT for
off
those without.

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DPDT switch internally

wired for polarity-
reversal applications:
only four rather than six
wires are brought outside
Intermediate Four-way
the switch housing; with
switch switch
the above, B is connected
to F and C to E; hence A
is connected to B and D
to C, or A is connected to
C and D to B.

Switches with larger numbers of poles or throws can be described by replacing the "S" or "D" with a
number (e.g. 3PST, 4PST, etc.) or in some cases the letter "T" (for "triple"). In the rest of this article the
terms SPST, SPDT and intermediate will be used to avoid the ambiguity in the use of the word "way".

Contact bounce
Contact bounce (also called chatter) is a common problem with
mechanical switches and relays. Switch and relay contacts are
usually made of springy metals that are forced into contact by an
actuator. When the contacts strike together, their momentum and
elasticity act together to cause bounce. The result is a rapidly pulsed
electric current instead of a clean transition from zero to full current.
The effect is usually unimportant in power circuits, but causes
problems in some analogue and logic circuits that respond fast
enough to misinterpret the on-off pulses as a data stream.[5]
Snapshot of switch bounce on an
The effects of contact bounce can be eliminated by use of mercury-
oscilloscope. The switch bounces
wetted contacts, but these are now infrequently used because of the
hazard of mercury release. between on and off several times
before settling.
Contact circuits can be filtered to reduce or eliminate multiple
pulses. In digital systems, multiple samples of the contact state can
be taken or a time delay can be implemented so that the contact bounce has settled before the contact
input is used to control anything. One way to implement this with an SPDT Switch is by using an SR
Latch.[6]

Arcs and quenching

When the power being switched is sufficiently large, the electron flow across opening switch contacts is
sufficient to ionize the air molecules across the tiny gap between the contacts as the switch is opened,
forming a gas plasma, also known as an electric arc. The plasma is of low resistance and is able to
sustain power flow, even with the separation distance between the switch contacts steadily increasing.
The plasma is also very hot and is capable of eroding the metal surfaces of the switch contacts.

Where the voltage is sufficiently high, an arc can also form as the switch is closed and the contacts
approach. If the voltage potential is sufficient to exceed the breakdown voltage of the air separating the
contacts, an arc forms which is sustained until the switch closes completely and the switch surfaces
make contact.

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In either case, the standard method for minimizing arc formation and preventing contact damage is to
use a fast-moving switch mechanism, typically using a spring-operated tipping-point mechanism to
assure quick motion of switch contacts, regardless of the speed at which the switch control is operated
by the user. Movement of the switch control lever applies tension to a spring until a tipping point is
reached, and the contacts suddenly snap open or closed as the spring tension is released.

As the power being switched increases, other methods are used to minimize or prevent arc formation. A
plasma is hot and will rise due to convection air currents. The arc can be quenched with a series of
nonconductive blades spanning the distance between switch contacts, and as the arc rises its length
increases as it forms ridges rising into the spaces between the blades, until the arc is too long to stay
sustained and is extinguished. A puffer may be used to blow a sudden high velocity burst of gas across
the switch contacts, which rapidly extends the length of the arc to extinguish it quickly.

Extremely large switches in excess of 100,000 watts capacity often have switch contacts surrounded by
something other than air to more rapidly extinguish the arc. For example, the switch contacts may
operate in a vacuum, or immersed in mineral oil.

Power switching
When a switch is designed to switch significant power, the transitional state of the switch as well as the
ability to stand continuous operating currents must be considered. When a switch is in the on state its
resistance is near zero and very little power is dropped in the contacts; when a switch is in the off state
its resistance is extremely high and even less power is dropped in the contacts. However when the
switch is flicked the resistance must pass through a state where briefly a quarter (or worse if the load is
not purely resistive) of the load's rated power is dropped in the switch.

For this reason, power switches intended to interrupt a load current have spring mechanisms to make
sure the transition between on and off is as short as possible regardless of the speed at which the user
moves the rocker.

Power switches usually come in two types. A momentary on-off switch (such as on a laser pointer)
usually takes the form of a button and only closes the circuit when the button is depressed. A regular on-
off switch (such as on a flashlight) has a constant on-off feature. Dual-action switches incorporate both
of these features.

Inductive loads
When a strongly inductive load such as an electric motor is switched off, the current cannot drop
instantaneously to zero; a spark will jump across the opening contacts. Switches for inductive loads must
be rated to handle these cases. The spark will cause electromagnetic interference if not suppressed; a
snubber network of a resistor and capacitor in series will quell the spark.

Actuator
The moving part that applies the operating force to the contacts is called the actuator, and may be a
toggle or dolly, a rocker, a push-button or any type of mechanical linkage (see photo).

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Biased switches
The momentary push-button switch is a type of biased switch. The most common type is a "push-to-
make" (or normally-open or NO) switch, which makes contact when the button is pressed and breaks
when the button is released. Each key of a computer keyboard, for example, is a normally-open "push-to
-make" switch. A "push-to-break" (or normally-closed or NC) switch, on the other hand, breaks contact
when the button is pressed and makes contact when it is released. An example of a push-to-break switch
is a button used to release a door held open by an electromagnet.

Toggle switch
A toggle switch is a class of electrical switches that are manually
actuated by a mechanical lever, handle, or rocking mechanism.

Toggle switches are available in many different styles and sizes,

and are used in countless applications. Many are designed to
provide, e.g., the simultaneous actuation of multiple sets of
electrical contacts, or the control of large amounts of electric
current or mains voltages.
Large toggle switch, depicted in
The word "toggle" is a reference to a kind of mechanism or joint circuit 'open' position, electrical
consisting of two arms, which are almost in line with each other, contacts to left; background is 1/4"
connected with an elbow-like pivot. However, the phrase "toggle
square graph paper
switch" is applied to a switch with a short handle and a positive
snap-action, whether it actually contains a toggle mechanism or
not. Similarly, a switch where a definitive click is heard, is called a "positive on-off switch".[7]

Special types
Switches can be designed to respond to any type of mechanical
stimulus: for example, vibration (the trembler switch), tilt, air
pressure, fluid level (the float switch), the turning of a key (key
switch), linear or rotary movement (the limit switch or
microswitch), or presence of a magnetic field (the reed switch). Bank of toggle switches on a Data
General Nova minicomputer front
Mercury tilt switch panel

The mercury switch consists of a drop of mercury inside a glass

bulb with 2 or more contacts. The two contacts pass through the
glass, and are connected by the mercury when the bulb is tilted to
make the mercury roll on to them.

This type of switch performs much better than the ball tilt switch,
as the liquid metal connection is unaffected by dirt, debris and
oxidation, it wets the contacts ensuring a very low resistance
bounce-free connection, and movement and vibration do not
produce a poor contact. These types can be used for precision
works. Opened float switch of a dirty water
pump

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It can also be used where arcing is dangerous (such as in the presence of explosive vapour) as the entire
unit is sealed.

Knife switch
Knife switches consist of a flat metal blade, hinged at one end, with an insulating handle for operation,
and a fixed contact. When the switch is closed, current flows through the hinged pivot and blade and
through the fixed contact. Such switches are usually not enclosed. The knife and contacts are typically
formed of copper, steel, or brass, depending on the application. Fixed contacts may be backed up with a
spring. Several parallel blades can be operated at the same time by one handle. The parts may be
mounted on an insulating base with terminals for wiring, or may be directly bolted to an insulated switch
board in a large assembly. Since the electrical contacts are exposed, the switch is used only where
people cannot accidentally come in contact with the switch or where the voltage is so low as to not
present a hazard.

Knife switches are made in many sizes from miniature switches to large devices used to carry thousands
of amperes. In electrical transmission and distribution, gang-operated switches are used in circuits up to
the highest voltages.

The disadvantages of the knife switch are the slow opening speed and the proximity of the operator to
exposed live parts. Metal-enclosed safety disconnect switches are used for isolation of circuits in
industrial power distribution. Sometimes spring-loaded auxiliary blades are fitted which momentarily
carry the full current during opening, then quickly part to rapidly extinguish the arc.

Footswitch
A footswitch is a rugged switch which is operated by foot pressure. An example of use is for the control
of an electric sewing machine. The foot control of an electric guitar is also a switch.

Reversing switch
A DPDT switch has six connections, but since polarity reversal is a very common usage of DPDT
switches, some variations of the DPDT switch are internally wired specifically for polarity reversal.
These crossover switches only have four terminals rather than six. Two of the terminals are inputs and
two are outputs. When connected to a battery or other DC source, the 4-way switch selects from either
normal or reversed polarity. Such switches can also be used as intermediate switches in a multiway
switching system for control of lamps by more than two switches.

Light switches
Main article: Light switch

In building wiring, light switches are installed at convenient locations to control lighting and
occasionally other circuits. By use of multiple-pole switches, control of a lamp can be obtained from two
or more places, such as the ends of a corridor or stairwell.

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Electronic switches
A relay is an electrically operated switch. Many
relays use an electromagnet to operate a switching
mechanism mechanically, but other operating
principles are also used.

Solid-state relays control power circuits with no

moving parts, instead using a semiconductor device
to perform switching—often a silicon-controlled
rectifier or triac.

The analogue switch uses two MOSFET transistors Three pushbutton switches (Tactile Switches).
in a transmission gate arrangement as a switch that Major scale is inches.
works much like a relay, with some advantages and
several limitations compared to an
electromechanical relay.

The power transistor(s) in a switching voltage regulator, such as a power supply unit, are used like a
switch to alternately let power flow and block power from flowing.

Many people use metonymy to call a variety of devices "switches" that conceptually connect or
disconnect signals and communication paths between electrical devices, analogous to the way
mechanical switches connect and disconnect paths for electrons to flow between two conductors. Since
the advent of digital logic in the 1950s, the term switch has spread to a variety of digital active devices
such as transistors and logic gates whose function is to change their output state between two logic
levels or connect different signal lines, and even computers, network switches, whose function is to
provide connections between different ports in a computer network.[8] The term 'switched' is also applied
to telecommunications networks, and signifies a network that is circuit switched, providing dedicated
circuits for communication between end nodes, such as the public switched telephone network. The
common feature of all these usages is they refer to devices that control a binary state: they are either on
or off, closed or open, connected or not connected.

See also

■ Analogue switch ■ Latching switch ■ Sail switch

■ Centrifugal switch ■ Load control switch ■ Sense switch
■ Circuit breaker ■ Membrane switch ■ Slotted optical switch
■ Commutator (electric) ■ Mercury switch ■ Stepping switch
■ Contactor ■ Micro switch ■ Strowger switch
■ Crossbar switch ■ Multivibrator ■ Switch access assistive
■ Cutout ■ Multiway switching technology
■ Dead man's switch ■ Network protector ■ Switchboard
■ DIP switch ■ Piezo switch ■ Switchgear
■ Fireman's switch ■ Pressure switch ■ Thermal switch
■ Flip-flop (electronics) ■ Pull switch ■ Time switch
■ Float switch ■ Push switch ■ Touch switch
■ Hall-effect switch ■ Reed switch ■ Transfer switch
■ Inertial switch ■ Relay ■ Vandal resistant switch

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Switch - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 10 of 10

■ Isolator switch ■ RF Switch Matrix ■ Wetting current

■ Key switch ■ Rotary switch ■ Wireless light switch
■ Kill switch

References
1. ^ "Switch" (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/switch) . The Free Dictionary. Farlex. 2008.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/switch. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
2. ^ "Switch". The American Heritage Dictionary, College Edition. Houghton Mifflin. 1979. pp. 1301.
3. ^ "General Electric Contact Materials" (http://www.tanaka-precious.com/catalog/material.html) . Electrical
Contact Catalog (Material Catalog). Tanaka Precious Metals. 2005. http://www.tanaka-
precious.com/catalog/material.html. Retrieved 2007-02-21.
4. ^ RF Switch (http://www.herley.com/index.cfm?act=app_notes&notes=switches) Explanation by Herley -
General Microwave
5. ^ Walker, PMB, Chambers Science and Technology Dictionary, Edinburgh, 1988, ISBN 1852961503
6. ^ Ganssle.com (http://www.ganssle.com/debouncing.pdf)
7. ^ Gladstone, Bernard (1978). The New York times complete manual of home repair
(http://books.google.com/books?id=Q9VGAAAAYAAJ&q=heard#search_anchor) . Times Books. pp. 399.
http://books.google.com/books?id=Q9VGAAAAYAAJ&q=heard#search_anchor.
8. ^ "'Switch'" (http://searchtelecom.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid103_gci213079,00.html) . Telecom
definitions. SearchTelecom.com. 2007.
http://searchtelecom.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid103_gci213079,00.html. Retrieved 2008-12-27.

External links
■ Glossary of Electric Switches (http://www.tedss.com/Switches/#Switch_Circuit)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switch"
Categories: Human–machine interaction | Electrical components

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