Types of Electrical Switches by AGM Electrical Supplies

Electrical switches are electromechanical devices used to manage power, signal systems when they have exceeded their operating ranges or enable manual control of machine or process functions. Electrical switches come in various forms and configurations.Key switch characteristics include life rating (the number of cycles the device can endure before experiencing mechanical fatigue), terminal and contact plating material selection and mounting and actuator type selection.

Rotary Switches

Rotary switches are upright controls mounted onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) that control multiple output terminals by rotating their rotor or spindle, accessing these positions by turning. Their number of switch positions available depends on their design; some models feature up to 12 distinct switching functions. Each electrical entry point of a rotary switch is known as a pole; some designs even incorporate multiple poles that connect via rotation with different output terminals known as ways.DIP switches, or dual-in-line packages (DIP), are rotary switches organized in a dual-in-line configuration for use on printed circuit boards. DIP switches may be certified UL-rated to meet Underwriters Laboratories ratings regulations; this US ratings organization sets specific rules that devices rated by them must follow.

Slide Switches

Slide switches are mechanical switches with sliding mechanisms used to regulate current flow. These maintained-contact Electrical switches remain in one state until actuated into another state - and are often employed for applications like powering lights or devices. Slide switches also find use in audio equipment to switch between various sources or direct signal direction, and even in industrial machinery or outdoor equipment for controlling operating modes or reversing motor direction.Sliding switches contain several components that work together to enable their operation, including a sliding mechanism and actuator - usually in the form of a small lever or button that users can manipulate easily. Electrical specifications of such switches may include maximum current rating, minimum AC voltage requirements and mechanical life expectancies.

Magnetic Switches

Magnetic safety switches utilize reed-switch technology for noncontact reliability. Their high intensity field closes internal safety contacts upon presentation of an actuator, with those contacts opening when removed - ideal for applications requiring minimal space, or used on sliding/swing open shields on drills/mills. Each switch includes the actuator as well as 13 feet of prewired cable.Continuous current ratings are determined by measuring the temperature rise over an hour test at the rated current, which is reasonable since devices tend to reach thermal equilibrium within this period of time. Intermittent current ratings take into account individual switch section temperature rise over 5 minutes at the same current; intermittent ratings cannot be directly translated from one system to the other.

Membrane Switches

Membrane switches are multilayered user interface devices used to operate equipment and machinery. Similar to keypads, membrane switches can be found everywhere from microwave oven panels, children's toys and medical machines - even some microwave oven panels!These switches use an upper circuit layer and overlay with conductive ink, which when pressed against metal domes causes electrical circuit closure and contacts are made with lower circuit layers which then send electronic signals back to machines.AGM Electrical Supplies Membrane switches are commonly utilized with backlighting that is achieved using LED lighting, optical fibers or electroluminescent materials. Furthermore, membrane switches can provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding as well as radio frequencies suppression capabilities; additionally they tend to be less vulnerable to dust and water accumulation than other switch assemblies.