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| SWITCHES - 2 | |
| V. Ryan © 2002-04 | |
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Some common switches are shown on this information sheet. Basically switches bring contacts together in different ways but they do the same switching job. |
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Typical Switch Symbols |
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TOGGLE SWITCH |
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These are available in miniature and standard sizes. The advantage of the toggle switch is that they can be extended and operated by a lever. |
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SLIDE SWITCH |
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Can be stiff to operate and does not operate smoothly.
Available in a range of sizes. |
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REED / MAGNETIC SWITCH |
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This is a thin glass tube that contains two thin strips of metal (the reeds). When a magnet is brought close to the glass tube, the reeds move together and make contact and the switch is turned on. The reeds open again when the magnet is removed. Reed switches are common in alarm systems, for example, in door frames. When the door is closed the magnet keeps the switch on. When the door is opened the alarm system senses the broken contact and goes off. The top animation shows the reed switch with its glass 'surrounding' tube. The animation below shows the reed switch with the glass removed so that the two metal strips can be seen. |
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