BE.01.05 Switches

Single Pole Single Throw (SPST)

A mechanical switch with one pole and one throw, can only be connected to one load. Basic ON/OFF switch.

Push Button Normally Closed (PBNC)

a momentary switch that is normally closed, provides a temporary open circuit when pressed. Think car dome light or refrigerator light.

Teasing a slide switch

adjusting a slide switch so that both contacts are connected at the same time. NOTE: usually unique for the slide switch.

Open switch

max resistance, minimum current, and max voltage close to source voltage.

Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT)

mechanical switch with one pole and two throws, used to connect one circuit to one of two different loads. a low/high power switch is an example

Double Pole Single Throw (DPST)

mechanical switch with two poles and one throw, used to connect two circuits to one load each.

Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT)

mechanical switch with two poles and two throws, used to connect two different circuits to two different loads. Think two seperate switches working together.

Closed switch

minimum resistance, max current flow, minimum voltage dropped across it, close to 0 volts.

Push Button Normally Open (PBNO)

momentary switch that is normally open, when pressed completes the circuit and allows current to pass through.