Switch Question

[CZSteve]

Time for the ignorant to post a question. <br /><br />Will someone explain the differences between the different switch options? Inquiring minds want to know.<br /><br />IE:<br />SPST - single pole, single throw<br />SPDT - single pole, double throw<br />DPST - double pole, single throw<br />DPDT - double pole, double throw<br /><br />I'm assuming the throw refers to the on/off -vs- on/off/on.<br />Is the single -vs- double pole for more than one station?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Switch Question

Pole - number of switch contact sets. <br />Throw - number of conducting positions, single or double. <br />Way - number of conducting positions, three or more. <br />Momentary - switch returns to its normal position when released. <br />Open - off position, contacts not conducting. <br /><br />For example: the simplest on-off switch has one set of contacts (single pole) and one switching position which conducts (single throw). The switch mechanism has two positions: open (off) and closed (on), but it is called 'single throw' because only one position conducts.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Switch Question

Ralph – you got ‘momentary’ in there but forgot ‘maintained’.<br />Thinking (mom)-(off)-(main) type switch used for bilge pumps.