Electricity is the need of every household and industrial area but what’s more important is to manage its proper flow to the required places. This is where the real gatekeepers of electric current comes in .i.e. Electric Switches. They offer the power to control the proper operation of devices, from typical daily household electrical appliances to the complex heavy machinery in industries. Every machine requires a button to connect itself with the power source. Without the switch or the current, there is no use of any appliance.
Intriguing, isn’t it? How something so little can control something so dangerous, that too with just a little push or press. Stay with us, while we tell you how amazing this tiny switches can be!
What is an Electric Switch?
Electric switch is a core component of electrical circuit that directs the flow of current in two ways, either by allowing or breaking the current. So in simple words, electric switches are devices that are operated manually for opening or closing of electrical circuits. The basic principle behind the working of switches is based on electricity and the use of conductive medium for the flow of current. In order to stop the current, a gap is created in the path of the conductor which breaks the electric circuit and eventually current cannot flow through it.
What Purpose does the Electric Switch Serve?
The resourcefulness and utility of electric switches make them a necessary part of an electric circuit because without them you cannot access the electrical source.
1. Controlling Equipment
The main purpose of electric switches is to govern the efficient working of electrical appliances. You can turn the switch on/off simply by toggling, pressing or switching, allowing you to have an easy control over the electrical gadgets and instruments.
2. Safety Systems
Electric switches provide an important protection mechanism that enable its users to quickly disconnect power from the machines when they are not in use or in case of an emergency. The simple action of turn the switch off can prevent electrical hazards, damage to electrical apparatus and electric fires.
3. Electric Current Regulation
Some types of electric switches are designed to adjust the flow of electricity, which enables the users to adjust the speed, strength or other variables of electrical devices. For instance, to control the brightness of lights, dimmer switches are used and just like that different speed switches are used to control the speed in drills and fans of electrical devices.
4. Flexibility
Electric switches also allow its users to create multiple circuits in case of large electrical system. If the electric switches are critically installed at different locations, users can easily control some area of circuit independently, allowing for enhanced flexibility and customization choices for users.
Electric switches are responsible for providing safety, regulation and right control for the smooth flow of electricity in the house, offices and industrial areas. Just like the quality of switches matter the most, one cannot neglect the credibility of the retailer they are purchasing from. If you are thinking about replacing your old switches, I would recommend you to buy from AGM Electrical Supplies. They offer a huge range of high quality electrical appliances and are in the electrical business for 15 years.
What are the Different Types of Electric Switches?
There are various types of electric switches being used depending upon their usability and complexity. The most basic king of electric switches mainly used in household and offices are of three types, which are written down below.
1. Toggle
Toggle switches are operated by an angled lever in one or two positions. In household electrical wiring, the light switch is the most common example of a toggle switch. The toggle switches are designed in such a way that they go into rest while being in any lever position when they are not in use. This means that once you have pressed the switch to turn something on/off, it will stay in its place until you manually change its position.
2. Press-Button
The other type of electric switch is press-button switch, which is operated in only two positions, either by pressing or releasing. There is a spring mechanism inside the push-button switch that allows the button to go into its un-pressed position for transitory operation. Whereas other push-button switches will remain in its place until the switch is manually pressed to change its operation.
3. Selector
Selector switches are the type of electrical switches that enable sits users to select for multiple circuits within a system. It contains a rotation mechanism that allow for multiple positions, each responsible for a particular circuit function. The structure of selector switches allows for simple and effortless control over the circuit’s function, making them a necessary part in a variety electrical equipment’s.
The selection of a right electric switch comes down to your requirement and preferences.
When you Should not use an Electric Switch?
Although nowadays, electric switches are designed to allow maximum safety and protection not for the users but also for the electrical devices. But still there are certain situations in which you should not use the electric switches. They are as follows:
·If the electric switch seems to be not in place or it appears to be loosened, you should avoid turning it on/off or else it may cause damage.
· If you touch or hold the switch to operate it and feel like it is heating up, do not touch it.
·If the switch is giving burning smell or you can see spark, refrain from using the switch and immediately call electrician.
Conclusion
·If you find trouble in turning the switch on/off, it means that the contactor inside is broken or melted and it no longer closes the connection according to the input given by the lever. It means that the switch needs replacement.
Electrical Wholesalers Like all other electrical equipment’s, technology has worked its magic on electric switches too, evolving their design to deliver greater safety and efficiency. But the underlying technology used in switches still remains the same to this date. We hope that you had a good and informative read about switches. If we have missed out on something, do let us know about your thoughts in comments.