 electromechanical devices that are used in

electrical circuits to control power

 detect when systems are outside their operating
ranges
 signal controllers of the whereabouts of machine
members and work pieces
 provide a means for manual control of machine
and process functions
 control lighting, and so on.
 Switch function is defined by the number of poles and throws the switch
has. “Poles” are individual circuits the switch controls (e.g., a “3-pole” switch
has three circuits controlled by the same throw). “Throws” are unique
positions or settings for the switch (e.g., a “double-throw switch” can
operate in two different positions like on/off, high/low, etc.). Combining
the number of poles and throws gives a succinct description of the switch’s
function, so the function of, for instance, a “single-pole, double-throw”
switch is implicit. Switch types are commonly abbreviated for brevity, so a
single-pole, double-throw switch would be referred to as an “SPDT” switch.
 The simplest type of switch is a single-pole, single-throw (SPST) device that
functions as an on-off switch. Double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switches
are commonly employed as internal polarity reversing circuits. Switches of
up to four poles and three throws are common and some have breaks.
 electro-mechanical devices used to control power in an electrical circuit by
foot pressure. They are often used on machines where an operator needs his
or her hands to stabilize a workpiece.
 Key specifications include number of pedals, switching function, voltage
rating, and current rating.
 Foot switches find use in many press applications where hand controls
cannot be used to actuate a cycle. They are also commonly used in hospital
equipment and office machines.
 electro-mechanical devices used to detect the level of liquids, powders, or
solids. They are mounted in tanks, hoppers, or bins, and can provide output
to a control system. In some instances they can be used to actuate a device
directly, such as level switches used in residential sump pumps.
 Key specifications include measured media, output type, switch type,
voltage and current ratings, and the materials used for the body, stem, and
float.
 Level switches are used extensively in the process industries to monitor
tank and hopper levels. They are used in everyday applications as well.
 electro-mechanical devices designed to sense motion and position
mechanically and provide output signals to a controller. They are available
as bare switches, or in rugged enclosures intended for the tough
environment of a factory floor.
 Key specifications include actuator type, voltage, and current ratings. A
variety of actuator types from rods to whiskers ensures that any manner of
machine, component, or work pieces can be sensed by a limit switch.
 Limit switches are used in many common consumer machines such as
washing machines. In their ruggedized form they are used in many types of
manufacturing facilities such as steel mills and paper plants.
 circuit board based electro-mechanical devices that provide tactile control
of processes and machines without the need for individual push switches.
They are often custom designed to suit a particular process.
 Key specifications include circuit assembly type, actuator type, and
terminal type. Number of keys, graphics, illumination, and displays can
also be important features.
 Membrane Switches are common in commercial products where
incorporating all control functions into a single device can save costs over
using discrete switches.
 electro-mechanical devices used to sense fluid pressure and provide output
signals to a controller. They often employ a diaphragm as the sensing
means.
 Key specifications include the pressure type, media measured, diaphragm
material, pressure connection, minimum and maximum working
pressures, and maximum switch current.
 Pressure switches are used to keep pressure within limits in lubrication
systems where over-pressure or under-pressure conditions can result in
damage to the machine.
 electro-mechanical devices that are hand operated and used to switch a
circuit on and off, or step a circuit through increasing power levels. Their
most common application is in lighting where they are used to switch
lamps. Pull Rope Switches are used as emergency stop devices.
 Key specifications include switching function, voltage and current ratings,
as well as various features specific to e-stop applications such as broken-
cable detection.
 Pull chain switches can be used for manual control of overhead lights and
fans. As rope-pull switches, they are used for emergency stop devices, for
example along the length of an in-running roll. They are sometimes called
Rope Pulls or Cable Pulls.
 also referred to as Push Switches, are hand operated electro-mechanical
devices used for switching circuits. They are the most common variety of
switch used on industrial control panels.
 Key specifications include single-throw or double-throw switching
function, contact type, mounting type, actuator type, and panel cut-out
diameter. The 30 mm cut-out is a common industrial size.
 Pushbutton switches make up the bulk of manual switches used in
industrial controls. They are available in a variety of shapes and styles to
cover almost any manual control scenarios.
 hand operated electro-mechanical devices used for switching circuits. The
switch operator position, raised or depressed, gives a quick visual
indication of the circuit's on or off status.
 Key specifications include single-throw or double-throw switching
function, mounting type, actuator type, and panel cut-out dimensions.
 Rocker switches are used for manual switching in many industrial controls
as well as for control of consumer goods and office machines.
 hand operated electro-mechanical devices used for switching circuits
and selecting functions. Rotary switches can be two-position, on-off, or
they can have multiple discrete stops.
 Key specifications include number of poles, number of positions,
construction type, mounting type, and panel cut-out diameter for
panel mount switches.
 Rotary switches are used to provide a visually verifiable means of
switch position, allowing operators to tell with a glance whether a
circuit is energized or not. They are also called Paddle Switches.
 hand operated electro-mechanical devices used for switching circuits. The
switch operator is in the form of a slider that moves from position to
position to control the circuit status.
 Key specifications include single-throw or double-throw switching
function, mounting type, and panel cut-out dimensions.
 Slide switches are used in electrical and electronic equipment where the
switching range can be limited and economy is important. They are
commonly used for on-off buttons or just as a general control switch.
 also referred to as Pushwheel Switches, are hand operated electro-
mechanical devices used to control electrical circuits with a rotatable
wheel. They display a numeric value corresponding to the switch position.
 Key specifications include number of positions, mounting type, actuator
type, coded output type, and panel cut-out dimensions.
 Thumbwheel switches are widely used in the aviation industry for flight
controls, instrumentation, and controllers. They are also used in test and
measurement equipment and computer devices.
 hand operated electro-mechanical devices used for switching circuits. They are
actuated by a lever which is pushed through a small arc. Moving the lever back
and forth opens and closes an electrical circuit, while the lever position gives a
quick visualization of the circuit status.
 Key specifications include single-throw or double-throw switching function, 1-
axis, 2-axis, or 3-axis configuration, or in some cases omnidirectional or joystick
toggle configuration, and actuator type.
 Toggle switched are used extensively in electronics panels and instrumentation
where a wider range of switching function is required, such as in switchboards.
 hand operated electro-mechanical devices used in residential and commercial
buildings most commonly for lighting control. They are also used to control
ceiling fans and electrical outlets.
 Key specifications include combination device function, actuator type, and
additional switch functions such as dimmer control, fan speed control, or timer-
based switching.
 Wall switches are specifically designed to operate on line voltage and fit inside
standard electrical boxes. They are standard items in residential and commercial
construction. A variety of decorator or designer styles can set these switches apart
from industrial switches where aesthetics are less of a concern.
SWITCH
oSURFACE TYPE

oFLUSH TYPE

oHANGING TYPE