In the field of electrical engineering, a switch is a component that can make or break an electrical circuit, meaning it can divert it from one conductor to another. Electronic switches or relays use electromagnet to control the switching mechanism mechanically.
There are different types of switches such as the toogle and the tumbler. Sockets allow the equipment to stay connected, and they differ by shape, size, voltage rating, and connector type.
Electrical switches at home
There are a few types of electrical switches that can be found in any home. The wall switch is the most common type, and there are a several different types of it. Even though on the outside they look almost the same, but on the inside, they work and function differently. Even though when we think of the word switch, we usually think of light switches, and that they can be only used for lights, they also can be used, as said before, to turn on or off the electrical current on almost every device.
Of course, the single – pole switch, is the most common type of switches, and it is used to control the light, or any other device from its location. One characteristic that separates it from the others, is that it has, ON and OFF marked on each side. The single-pole switches have two brass connected screw terminals that are directly connected to the wires. The three – way switches can be always found in pairs, and they allow the user to control the light or a certain utility at home from different locations. It has three terminal screws. The hot wire from the power source connects to the one that is marked COM or common.
On the other hand, the other two terminals are labelled as travelers, and because of safety purposes, it is to know that they are the hot wires. As for the double – pole switch, it can be mostly found in some industrial applications that are part of some home wiring systems. It also has ON and OFF marks and can control the device from a single location. Because it has four hot wire terminals, it allows the user to connect it to two pairs of hot wires from a 240 – volt circuit. And last, the four – way switch can provide control on an outlet or light from three or even more different locations.
The benefits of using a switch socket at home
Switches and sockets make the usage of electricity in our home possible, because without them it can be a disaster. They are needed to make the use of electricity safe and efficient. Depending on the quality of the switch and the socket, any electrical appliance can be plugged in at home.
1. Real time electrical feedback
Any type of switches that can be connected to a device, when activated can send a signal or an electrical output. This output is used, for example, to turn on the computer, the TV, to control the lightning in your home. The timers send the output when the cycle is completed.
2. They make the setup of a machine easier
After finishing their installation, switches can be used to determine where the intended light or machine that it’s going to control and where it is going to be set up. Switches can be easily adjusted when it comes to their position, even if the machine is manually running.
3. Machine cycle times can be reduced
The timer switches are less expensive, and their job is to determine the time of completion for a certain machine operation. And this maybe one of theirs only advantage opposed to the other types of switches.
4. Troubleshooting
If the switch has been pre – programmed to show when a cycle has been finished, this can be used to determine if there is something wrong with the machine. This means that the user is going to know that something is wrong when the machine doesn’t complete the given task in a selected timeframe. This kind of pre – programming saves up a lot of time, and can enable locating the source of the error much faster.
5. Safety
Switch output signals can give the needed information to make sure that every part of a machine and every task is started and finished on time. Any fluctuations out of that frame can point to unsafety, and can mean that the given switch needs to be replaced or repaired.
6. Child safety
The newer models of switches and sockets also provide child safety, and they keep the troubles away from the kids. They make sure that the electrical power works properly, with no threat to yours or your child’s life. And they are also very colorful and artsy looking.
Switch socket maintenance
A faulty socket or a switch can be the result of an overuse, and can also be the cause for an electrical surge. A defective socket can be a real problem. This defective socket needs to be replaced, due to the fact that electrical currency if not handled properly can cause a disaster at every home, so the users’ only problem it’s not just going to be the shortage of electrical power.
If a user feels that the home is old, and outdated, usually means that renovating needs to be done. When renovating a home, the electrical system is going to be interrupted because of the demolitions. This also means that all switches and sockets at home need to be changed, and depending on the location of the switch, the new ones can be metal coated, and even resistant switches if they are close to water or dust. But the first measurement that needs to be taken before buying, and installing any switches, you need to know at least the basic types of switches and sockets, where is the proper place to install them and for can they be used. Buying from reliable and official supplies is going to make sure, that what you are looking for is what you are getting for your money.
Switches and sockets make our lives simpler, and much easier. Their history says that they have been here, almost when the electrical power first appeared. They are important to that point, where our everyday lives without them are going to be impossible and complicated.