Difference between revisions of "Switches"

From OpenCircuits
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 1: Line 1:
 
== Switch Basics ==
 
== Switch Basics ==
 
{{mergefrom|Switch Terminology}}
 
{{mergefrom|Switch Terminology}}
 +
 +
 
A switch is often to turn something on or off. In the simplest case it is just a wire that is connected or not. Unplugging an appliance is one way to switch it off. A switch is usually a mechanical device where some sort of handle connects or disconnects conductors inside the switch. Another way of thinking of a switch is that it is like a resistor that sometimes has infinite resistance and sometimes has 0 resistance. A computer keyboard is made of a large number of switches. Some switches stay in the on or off position, others only stay on or off while you switch them, these are called momentary switches. A light switch is normally not momentary, a doorbell switch normally is momentary.
 
A switch is often to turn something on or off. In the simplest case it is just a wire that is connected or not. Unplugging an appliance is one way to switch it off. A switch is usually a mechanical device where some sort of handle connects or disconnects conductors inside the switch. Another way of thinking of a switch is that it is like a resistor that sometimes has infinite resistance and sometimes has 0 resistance. A computer keyboard is made of a large number of switches. Some switches stay in the on or off position, others only stay on or off while you switch them, these are called momentary switches. A light switch is normally not momentary, a doorbell switch normally is momentary.
  
Line 12: Line 14:
 
*[http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/components/switch.htm Switches]
 
*[http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/components/switch.htm Switches]
 
* [[Switch Terminology]] _P_T - SPST - SPDT - DPST - DPDT - 3PDT - ....
 
* [[Switch Terminology]] _P_T - SPST - SPDT - DPST - DPDT - 3PDT - ....
 
  
 
== Relays ==
 
== Relays ==

Revision as of 11:17, 4 January 2011

Switch Basics

It has been suggested that [[::Switch Terminology|Switch Terminology]] be merged into this page or section. (Discuss)


A switch is often to turn something on or off. In the simplest case it is just a wire that is connected or not. Unplugging an appliance is one way to switch it off. A switch is usually a mechanical device where some sort of handle connects or disconnects conductors inside the switch. Another way of thinking of a switch is that it is like a resistor that sometimes has infinite resistance and sometimes has 0 resistance. A computer keyboard is made of a large number of switches. Some switches stay in the on or off position, others only stay on or off while you switch them, these are called momentary switches. A light switch is normally not momentary, a doorbell switch normally is momentary.

Uses:

  • On Off control
  • Range change, as in a meter
  • Data input

Links

Relays

It has been suggested that [[::relays|relays]] be merged into this page or section. (Discuss)


A Relay is a switch that is turned on and off by an electro-magnet ( actually there are new forms that do not use an electro-magnet ). Like other switching devices it allows a small amount of power to control a large amount of power. A nice feature of relays is that there is no electrical connection between the control circuit and the circuit connected to the switch. ( this is called electrical isolation ). They are often used to let low power digital circuits control normal 110v power in a home.

Uses:

  • Turn on several circuits with one control circuit.
  • Control motors.
  • Isolate a low voltage circuit from power line.
  • Reverse current ( double pole double throw relay )

Links