All about Electrical Switch and Its Types
A switch is an electromechanical device that within a circuit either completes or breaks a current path or sends current over a different path. Different type of switches has basic components in common. The operator starts the switch operation. The switch mechanism is directly linked to the operator and it helps in opening and closing the contacts. It is a part of electrical appliances.
All types of switches no matter what typically need a certain type of actuation. Many switches are designed for human actuation. However, machines can even actuate switches. An electrical switch in an electronic device is used to interrupt the flow of electrons. Switches are binary devices, as a result, they can be either switched completely off or completely on in different words you can say that a switch is an electronic device that is utilized for breaking or making the electronic circuit automatically or manually. In the market, there is the availability of different types of electric switches and there are many electrical appliances manufacturer too. The working mechanism of the switch depends on the ON / OFF mechanism.
There are many websites for online electronic switches, cable, and wiring so you can visit these websites. Here you will get different ranges of switches. You will find switches in different colors like green, silver, orange, golden, yellow, etc. So, you can select switches according to your home’s interior and your choice.
Switches are available in four different types. There is not much difference in the pattern of the styling of these four categories but they somewhat differ in functionalities.
Various Categories of switches are as follows:
- Single Pole
- Double Pole
- Three Way
- Four Way
- Multi-location switch
- Dimmer switch
Single Pole: Single pole electrical switches are even referred to as toggle switches. It can control just one circuit. These types of switches only have a single input and single output. A single-pole switch can turn a light on and off from only one location. These are some of the most common switches available in the home. They are very easy to operate.
Double Pole: Double Pole electric switches are used to control separate circuits. A double pole switch shows similarity with separate single-pole switches that are mechanically operated by the same lever, knob, or button. These are quite easy to handle.
Three Way switches: A three-way switch has two brass screws, a green screw, and a darker-colored screw. Light can be controlled from two different locations with the help of three-way switches. There is no toggle handle switch in case of a three-way switch. That is because one position never indicates that is necessarily on or off. It relies on the position of another switch.
Four-way switch: It is always recommended to hire a professional while using a four-way switch because its installation is not very easy. A four-way switch consists of four terminals that to each with two pairs of travelers.
Multi-location switch: Multi-location switch is the interconnection point of two or more electrical switches of an automation components supplier. It controls an electrical load from different locations.
