A power switch is a must-have component in every electrical circuit. It controls the flow of electricity to whatever device it’s connected to, preventing the system from overheating or experiencing an overload. If you are building something that requires electricity and want to make sure you have the ability to shut it off if needed, then you need one of these switches on hand. Whether you’re looking for options that operate manually, automatically, with remote control, or even wirelessly, here are some things you should know about a power switch before purchasing one.
Types of Power Switches
There are a lot of options available when it comes to power switches, and each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Among the different styles you can purchase include:
Push Button – This is the most common type of switch, as they are easy to operate. These buttons are designed in two ways: either they physically break the circuit when it’s pushed down or they simply complete the circuit and send a signal to the controller telling it that an action has occurred.
– This is the most common type of switch, as they are easy to operate. These buttons are designed in two ways: either they physically break the circuit when it’s pushed down or they simply complete the circuit and send a signal to the controller telling it that an action has occurred. Momentary – As some electronics have momentary buttons installed with them, these switches are designed to work on a single contact throughout their entire travel. These switches work to complete the circuit and then break it, sending a signal to the controller telling it that an action has occurred.
– As some electronics have momentary buttons installed with them, these switches are designed to work on a single contact throughout their entire travel. These switches work to complete the circuit and then break it, sending a signal to the controller telling it that an action has occurred. Push-to-Off – Push-to-Off switches are most commonly used in applications where there is a need to completely turn off the power. Because these handles provide little or no resistance, they must be pressed rapidly or quickly reversible in order to ensure that there is no current flow through them.
– Push-to-Off switches are most commonly used in applications where there is a need for completely turning off the power. Because these handles provide little or no resistance, they must be pressed rapidly or quickly reversible in order to ensure that there is no current flow through them. Momentary/Push-to-Off – These switches provide the same functionality of the push button switch but are able to control a two-way circuit. These switches can either be pushed to turn off or pushed and held down to cycle on and off.
– These switches provide the same functionality of the push button switch but are able to control a two-way circuit. These switches can either be pushed to turn off or pushed and held down to cycle on and off. Push-to-On – This switch provides a circuit that is either on or off. They are designed in a way that the momentary down action turns the power on, and pressing the button will keep it on.
– This switch provides a circuit that is either on or off. They are designed in a way that the momentary down action turns the power on, and pressing the button will keep it on. Split Range Pushbuttons – This style of switch has two separate push buttons with different functions: one button to turn off a load and another to turn it back on.
The options for power switches are nearly limitless, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when making your purchase.
