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6.switch Types

The document provides an overview of electrical switches, detailing their types, operating principles, and diagnostic methods. Key switch types include SPST, SPDT, ganged, mercury, electromagnetic, position, and pressure switches, each with specific applications and characteristics. The document also outlines tools and methods for diagnosing issues with these switches and their circuits.

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44 views23 pages

6.switch Types

The document provides an overview of electrical switches, detailing their types, operating principles, and diagnostic methods. Key switch types include SPST, SPDT, ganged, mercury, electromagnetic, position, and pressure switches, each with specific applications and characteristics. The document also outlines tools and methods for diagnosing issues with these switches and their circuits.

Uploaded by

ajuniorhagen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Electrical Switches

Electrical Switches
Objectives: At the completion of this lesson
you will be able to:
 Explain the difference between the various
types of switching devices
 Explain the operating principles for the
various types of switches
 Determine application criteria as it relates to
the various switching devices
 Properly diagnose problems with switching
devices and their related circuits
Electrical Switches
Terms To Know:
 “SPST” – Single Pole / Single Throw
 “SPDT” – Single Pole / Double Throw
 Ganged Switch (MPMT)
 Mercury Switch
 Electromagnetic Switch
 Position Switch
 Pressure Switch
Electrical Switches
Introduction:
 Commonly used to control the “on/off function” of a
component and/or circuit
 Also used to “direct the current” in an electrical circuit
 May also be used as “momentary contact” switches
 The term “pole(s)” refers to the number of input
circuits of the switch
 The term “throw(s)” refers to the number of output
circuits of the switch
 Switches may be “normally open” (NO), or “normally
closed” (NC) depending upon the application
 May be used on either power or ground side of circuit
Electrical Switches

Classifications of Switches
Electrical Switches
SPST Switches
 Single pole input
 Single pole output
 A set of contacts inside the switch
opens or closes the circuit
 The contacts carry the current load
of the circuit when closed
Electrical Switches
The “Momentary” Switch
 A SPST type switch
 Switch contacts are spring
loaded
 Closing the circuit requires
overcoming spring pressure
 Circuit is opened by spring
 Switch is (NO)
Electrical Switches

SPDT Switches
 One input circuit (pole)
 Two output circuits (throws)
 Only one output is energized at a time
 Contacts carry the current load of circuit
Electrical Switches
Ganged Switches (MPMT)
 Contain multiple “wipers”
that operate in unison
 Contacts may carry current
load of circuit
 Contacts may supply
current to an
“electromagnetic switch”
Electrical Switches

Mercury Switches
 A SPST type switch
 Uses mercury as the conductor
for the contacts
 Accurate mounting of mercury
switches is essential to proper
operation
 Used on ground side of circuit
Electrical Switches
Electromagnetic Switches
 Also called a “relay”
 Uses a small amount of
current to control a higher
amperage circuit
 Relays are (NO) type
circuits
 Often controlled by low
amperage switch circuit
Electrical Switches
An Electromagnetic Switch in a Horn Circuit
Electrical Switches
Position Switches
 May be used on power or ground side of circuit
 Used to indicate whether a component is in the on
or off position
 Only provides a “high/low” signal to a solid state
control device
 A low current circuit
Electrical Switches
Pressure Switches
 Can be used on either power or ground side of
circuit
 Switch is turned on/off by “pressure” rather than
a component’s movement
 Switch may carry current load of circuit
 Switch may be used as a type of position switch
for a solid state control device
Electrical Switches

Switch/Circuit Diagnosis
Switch/Circuit Diagnosis

Tools and Methods:


 Test Light
 Continuity Light
 Jumper Wire
 DVOM
Switch/Circuit Diagnosis
SPST Switches
Switch/Circuit Diagnosis
Position Switches / Pressure Switches
 Basically a SPST switch
 Can be tested using SPST methods
 Always refer to appropriate wiring diagrams
for the current flow information
 It is a good idea to remove the switch from
the circuit before testing to prevent
accidental damage to solid state components
Switch/Circuit Diagnosis
SPST Momentary Switches
Switch/Circuit Diagnosis
SPDT Switches
Switch/Circuit Diagnosis
“Ganged” / MPMT Switches
Switch/Circuit Diagnosis
Mercury Switches
Switch/Circuit Diagnosis
Electromagnetic Switches

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