Switch

An electrical switch is any device used to interrupt the flow of electrons in a

circuit. Switches are essentially binary devices: they are either completely on
(closed) or completely off (open). In addition, a switch is used to control the
circuit operation and the user may able to activate or deactivate the whole or
certain parts of the connected circuit.
Generally, switches can be categories as: 1) Mechanical Switches; and 2)
Electrical/Electronic Switches. Both of these types of switches are widely used in
Electrical and Electronics systems. Type of switch selection depends upon the
system in which they are going to be incorporated. Switches can also be categories
on many different bases. One way to classify switches is by the connections they
make. If you were under the impression that switches simply turn circuits on and off,
guess again. Two important factors that determine what types of connections a
switch makes are:

Poles: A switch pole refers to the number of separate circuits that the
switch controls. A single-pole switch controls just one circuit. A double-
pole switch controls two separate circuits. A double-pole switch is like
two separate single-pole switches that are mechanically operated by
the same lever, knob, or button.
Throw: The number of throws indicates how many different output
connections each switch pole can connect its input to. The two most
common types are single-throw and double-throw:
o A single-throw switch is a simple on/off switch that connects or
disconnects two terminals. When the switch is closed, the two
terminals are connected and current flows between them. When
the switch is opened, the terminals are not connected, so
current does not flow.
o A double-throw switch connects an input terminal to one of two
output terminals. Thus, a double-pole switch has three
terminals. One of the terminals is called the common terminal.
The other two terminals are often referred to as A and B.

Mechanical switch is a switch in which two metal plates touch each other to
make a physical contact for the current to flow and separate from each other to
interrupt the flow of current. Switches vary in both the number of poles and the
number of throws. Most switches have one or two poles and one or two throws. This
leads to five common combinations:
1. SPST (single pole, single throw): A basic on/off switch that turns a single
circuit on or off. An SPST switch has two terminals: one for the input and
one for the output.
2. SPDT (single pole, double throw): An SPDT switch routes one input circuit
to one of two output circuits. This type of switch is sometimes called an
A/B switch because it lets you choose between two circuits, called A and
 B. An SPDT switch has three terminals: one for the input and two for the A
and B outputs.
3. DPST (double pole, single throw): A DPST switch turns two circuits on or
off. A DPST switch has four terminals: two inputs and two outputs.
4. DPDT (double pole, double throw): A DPDT switch routes two separate
circuits, connecting each of two inputs to one of two outputs. A DPDT
switch has six terminals: two for the inputs, two for the A outputs, and two
for the B outputs.
5. 2P6T (Two Pole, Six Throw): It is a type of the changeover switch with a
common (COM) which may be connected to six lines with a second two
pole switch, which controlling and the operation of the switch is same.

Electrical and Electronic Switches

Electrical switches are faster in response than mechanical switches and
can be switched automatically by an electronic circuit like microcontroller or
microprocessor. They can also be categorized on the basis of current and
voltage rating like mechanical switches. These are the most widely used
electronic switches:
1. MOSFET - Mosfet can also be used for switching purpose at high
frequencies. They can operate at Mega hertz frequencies. Mostly,
Mosfets used for PWM (pulse width modulation).
2. Relay - A Relay is an electromechanical device, which consists of an
electromagnet. When a current is flowing through the coil, it
becomes an electromagnet and this electromagnet can be used for
switching purposes.

Special Types of Switch

Switches can be designed to respond to any type of mechanical
stimulus: for example, vibration (the trembler switch), tilt, air pressure, fluid
level (a float switch), the turning of a key (key switch), linear or rotary
movement (a limit switch or microswitch), or presence of a magnetic field
(the reed switch). Many switches are operated automatically by changes in
some environmental condition or by motion of machinery. A limit switch is
used, for example, in machine tools to interlock operation with the proper
position of tools. In heating or cooling systems a sail switch ensures that air
flow is adequate in a duct. Pressure switches respond to fluid pressure.
Pushbutton switch is used in many electronics circuits and can handle a small
amount of current. When a user press the button, its metal plate connects
with each other, hence the circuit is completed. When the user removes its
finger from the button, contact of the pins detached. Toggle switches are
actuated by a lever angled in one or more directions. This switch is stable in
state and remain in that state unless or until lever is pushed in another
direction. Most of all household applications have toggle switch.
 As usual, there is usually more than one way to implement a switch to
monitor a physical process or serve as an operator control. There is usually no
single perfect switch for any application, although some obviously exhibit certain
advantages over others. Switches must be intelligently matched to the task for
efficient and reliable operation.

Convenience Outlets
Convenience outlets, also called by various other names, including
convenience receptacle, outlet, electric outlet, receptacle, power outlet, and power
receptacle, allow electrically operated equipment to be connected to the primary
alternating current (AC) power supply in a building. These differ in voltage and
current rating, shape, size and type of connectors. Convenience outlets are usually
mounted in a wall, although they may be found elsewhere, such as a floor, or in the
back of another electrical device, such as an amplifier.
Electrical outlets differ according to the country and whether the outlet is for
consumer or industrial use. When traveling, knowledge about outlets, voltage,
current and power as well as common safety features can prevent a blown fuse, fire,
electrocution, or damage to your equipment.
Types of Electrical Outlets
1. 120-Volt Receptacles - These receptacles, which come in several
different colors, are easily identified: they have two identical
outlets, each with three plug-in slots. Each outlet has an arched slot
at the bottom that grounds the appliance; above that are two
narrow slots the wider one is neutral and the narrower one is hot.
2. 120/240-Volt Electrical Receptacles - Providing both 120 and 240
volts, these receptacles have four plug-in slotstwo that are hot,
one that is neutral, and one that is grounding.
3. 240-Volt Receptacles - This type of receptacle is not for use with
standard appliances but rather is reserved for such items as power
tools, which often require a dedicated circuit because of their
energy requirements.
4. GFCI Receptacles - Grounded outlets allow a path for electricity to
flow into the ground instead of through your body. A GFCI (ground
fault circuit interrupter) prevents electrocutions by sensing when
electricity is running to ground and shutting off the circuit.
Bathroom outlets have GFCI to shut off power if the hairdryer is
dropped into the bathtub.
Outlet Classification
Outlets are classified into types A through M. In the U.S. and Japan, the
A type is an ungrounded outlet with two prongs. Type B has unequal prong
heights, the middle prong is inserted first and grounds the device before it
becomes live.
 List of Electrical Outlets Worldwide

Lighting Outlets
An outlet is a point on the wiring system from which current is taken to
supply utilization equipment. A lighting outlet is an outlet intended for the direct
connection of a lampholder, a luminaire or a pendant cord terminating in a
lampholder. Luminaires can be ceiling-, wall- or even floor-mounted. While the
wiring for lighting outlets can terminate in outlet boxes and in other boxes under
certain conditions, it can also terminate in junction boxes of luminaires. Boxes used
at luminaire or lampholder outlets must be designed for the purpose. Every box
used solely for lighting must be designed or installed so that a luminaire may be
attached. Outlet boxes are usually equipped with two No. 8 (8/32) screws to support
luminaires or their supporting yokes. Outlet boxes can support luminaires weighing
no more than 50 pounds (23 kg), unless the outlet box is listed for the weight to be
supported. Luminaires can also be supported independently of the outlet box.
Inspection of the connections between the luminaire conductors and the circuit
conductors must be possible without having to disconnect any part of the wiring
unless the luminaires are connected by attachment plugs and receptacles.
Inspection of the wiring connections is possible with most luminaires simply by
removing it from the wall or ceiling.