Learn about Different Types of Switches in Detail

Divya Kare | Updated: Oct 7, 2022 21:42 IST

Whenever we feel hot or cool or to watch television we simply ask for switching on the fan or heater or TV. But what is a switch? A switch is simply an electric equipment used to close and break the electric circuit. When we say switching on we mean to complete the circuit and when we say 'switch off', we mean to terminate (open) open the circuit. By these means, we simply regulate the flow of electrons through the circuit. The electrons will flow if the circuit is complete and thus the current also flows accordingly. In this Physics article, we will be discussing more about different types of switches in detail.

Types of Switches

Basically, we use two types of switches in an electric circuit. They are :

  1. Electrical switches
  2. Mechanical Switches

Electrical Switches

These are the switches which do not require any physical contact to control the circuit. These are regulated and activated by the means of semiconductors' action.

  • Bipolar Transistor: As the name suggests, Bipolar Transistors have two poles that are both types the electrons and the holes that constitute the operation. These transistors are referred to as 'On' when there is a significant amount of base current and sufficient current to the collector.
  • Power Diode: As the name suggests it is a type of diode commonly used in power electronics circuits. These are simple semiconductor devices consisting of three layers, two terminals, a single junction and conduct current in a single direction. In case of increasing power handling capacity, we use power diodes by making small changes in simple p-n junction diodes .
  • MOSFETs: MOSFET or Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor is a type of Field effect Transistor generally used for switching or amplifying electronic signals by changing the direction of electric current flowing through them.
  • TRIACs Relay: TRIACs or Triode for Alternating Current is a bidirectional system consisting of three electrodes and an alternating current switch that allows electrons to flow in any direction. These are semiconductors devices used to control elements in alternating current circuits.

Mechanical Switches

These are physical switches that are activated using physical means such as pressing, moving, releasing or touching its contacts, in order to control the circuit.

  • Selector Switches: A selector switch is defined as a mechanical switch that can be rotated left, right or centre to open or close the electric circuit. The major function of this switch is to switch between two or more devices and control them as well. These switches provide flexible control options and are compatible to work in less space to provide various functions.
  • Joystick Switches: Joystick is an input device consisting of a stick, fixed on a base and sends its angle and direction of rotation to the device it is controlling.
  • Limit Switches: A limit switch is an electrochemical device operated by the motion of a machine part or the presence of an object. These are used for the detection of the presence or absence of an object. These switches were first introduced to define the limit of travel of an object and this is how its name was derived as a limit switch. These can also be used as a safety interlock to forbid machines from moving out of action range. You can observe its application in automatic garage doors.
  • Proximity Switches: These are non-contact sensors by using optical, electric or magnetic means that sense the proximity (closeness) to an object. These are in normal status if at distant separation from detectable objects. These switches are used to check the presence of any object and are thus used for many security purposes.
  • Speed Switches: These are special types of switches designed for gaming purposes or typically have a shorter travel distance which means the key can be pressed at a quicker rate resulting in boosting your reaction time.

Momentary Control Switches

Momentary switches are types of switches which require continuous compression. They will switch on when the user compresses the switch and the circuit will remain complete till the switch is pressed, As you remove the pressure the circuit disconnected and it will be off.

  • Rotary switches: Rotary switches are multifunctional and electromechanical switches that can be considered a better alternative to pushbutton switches. These are designed with an objective to move to the next position by 360° through an internal rotating pin that allows caps to rotate. The major characteristic is that these switches are capable of operating and controlling different circuits with only one switch.
  • Toggle switches: A toggle switch is an electrical switch that is activated by the movement of levers in forward and backward directions to open or close an electrical circuit. These switches are also sometimes referred to as toggle power switches or Joystick switches as well.
  • Pushbutton Switches: These switches consist of a button that is pushed to switch on or off that is open or close to an electric circuit. These are available in varieties of shapes, sizes and configurations depending upon the circuit requirements.
  • Pressure Switches: These switches are designed in a special way such that it operates when a certain set of fluid pressure is reached on its input. These switches may be designed in both conditions whether pressure rises or falls.

Types of Network Switches

Network Switches are special types of switches used to connect devices within a network like LAN(Local Area Network) with an objective to share data packets among the devices.

  • KVM Switch: The term KVM is an acronym and stands for Keyboard, Video(monitor) and Mouse. It is an electronic device that enables us to network multiple workstations or servers to a single Keyboard, monitor and mouse. Thus, it provides you feasibility to switch between the servers without any hassle and thus reduces clutter in the data centres or server point.
  • Managed Switch: These are the types of network switch that provides more control over the transmission of data over the network and who can access it. It is actually a type of technology that permits ethernet devices to establish communication between each other and it also contains features to configure and manage the traffic over Local Area Network.
  • Unmanaged Switch: These are also sometimes referred to as plug-and-play devices which mean you just have to plug them in for them to function. These simply allow Ethernet devices to communicate with each other by providing them access to the network.
  • Smart Switch: Smart or also sometimes referred to as an intelligent switch has capability lying somewhere between managed and unmanaged switches which means it provides you with features beyond unmanaged switches but less than that of the managed switches. These are more economically beneficial than managed switches but also have limited usage and features than managed switches. Thus, they are only used by small companies with fewer feature needs and fewer financial resources.
  • PoE Switch: Power over Ethernet switch or sometimes referred to as PoE switch is a type of network switch that is used to apply power over Ethernet technology. PoE switches are capable of network connectivity and power to supply the powered devices can both be efficiently done over Ethernet cables. These switches are widely used for both indoor as well as outdoor types of uses. It can transmit power as well as data to different devices at the same time.

Types of Light Switches

Light switches are simple switches connected between two terminals of the circuit with an objective to simplify on (open) and off (close) connections.

  • Illuminated Switch: The illuminated switch closes the electric circuit that is connected to the illumination source, this closed circuit allows the electrons to flow to and fro from the source.
  • Multiway Switch: Multiway switches are the one of the most common switching devices found in the electrical system nowadays. They provide you with the convenience that the user can turn the switch on or off of an electrical appliance from more than one place. The most common application of multiway switches is found in the lightning system and these are usually placed in the most common locations like kitchen, living room, reception area, etc.

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Switches FAQs

Q.1 What are the main types of switches?

Ans.1 Basically, we use two types of switches in an electric circuit. They are Electrical switches and Mechanical Switches.

Q.2 What is an MCB switch?

Ans.2 A Miniature Circuit Breaker is a safety device used to protect electric circuits from threats like overloading and short circuiting.

Q.3 What are the different types of electrical switches?

Ans.3 Push button, selector switches, joystick switches, limit switches, etc. are some different types of electrical switches. .

Q.4 What is a mechanical switch?

Ans.4 These are physical switches that are activated using physical means such as by pressing, by moving, releasing or touching its contacts, in order to control the circuit.

Q.5 Why is the switch used in a circuit?

Ans.5 Switches are used in a circuit with an objective to control the flow of an electric current within the circuit. It helps in easily opening and closing of electric circuits.

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