DC Fundamentals Unit 5 – Switches and Switching Concepts
Exercise 1 – Identify Types of Switches...................................................................................
EXERCISE OBJECTIVE
When you have completed this exercise, you will be able to identify switch functions by using a
multimeter. You will verify your results with information found in this exercise.
DISCUSSION
- All switches contain one or more poles.
- A pole consists of one complete set of contacts that opens or closes an electric switch.
- A single-pole single-throw switch connects only one point with another.
- Double-pole switch controls two circuits or both sides of one circuit.
- When the switch contacts make two points with one another, the switch is called a double-
pole single-throw switch. - A double-throw switch controls two circuit loads. Control only one conductor in the circuit
with a single-pole double-throw switch. Use a double-pole double-throw switch to control
two conductors in two circuit loads. - The slide switch has a mechanism that actually slides back and forth on a track, causing the
switch contacts to make or break a circuit connection. - Slide switches are available as single or multiple poles and in normally open or normally
closed configurations.