Purchasing Resources for Toggle Switches

Toggle Switches Basics

Turn on your understanding of toggle switches
By Harrison Howe For use in many applications from automobiles to industrial machinery, toggle switches are a fairly simple electrical device. Electric toggle switches control the current to power equipment. From basic toggle switches to industrial toggle switches, an electrical toggle switch can be a simple single-pole single-throw (SPST) device, or a more involved double-pole double-throw (DPDT) configuration.

It might help to learn toggle switches basics in order to know what type of electric toggle switch you need for your particular equipment. You'll soon find you can choose anything from an electronic switch to lighted electrical toggle switches. Whether you're in the market to install new electrical switches or are considering adding toggle switches to your current equipment, take some time to review toggle switches basics:

1. Gain an understanding of how toggle switches work.
2. Review the different types of electrical toggle switches.
3. See how toggle switches are installed.
   

Get inside the inner workings of toggle switches

To understand any type of mechanical or electrical device, it helps to know how that device works. Whether they're being used on amplifiers, automobiles or large industrial machines, the basic function of electrical toggle switches is the same.
Try:  See detailed drawings and explanations about how basic and double-pole double-throw toggle switches work, and learn the definitions of "pole" and "throw" at Basic Car Audio Electronics. Directron.com explains the various configurations of poles and switch positions for toggle switches.

Realize that toggle switches are not a "one size fits all" product

Though the function of toggle switches is virtually the same whatever the application, there are different types of toggle switches. Industrial toggle switches with insulated levers and bushings may not be needed when a standard toggle switch will do, or a subminiature toggle switch might not be applicable for military/aeronautics use.
Try:  View the many types of toggle switches like standard, miniature, subminiature and even lighted at Action-Electronics.com. APEM lists a variety of industrial toggle switches, from those used in military applications to insulated levers and switches specified for outdoor use.

Learn the basic steps of installing a toggle switch

Even if you'll be turning to professionals to install your toggle switches, getting a general idea how they are installed can only help you further understand toggle switches and why and how they are used. From simple, single-pole toggle switches to four-pole configurations, make installation a part of understanding toggle switches basics.
Try:  Aubuchon Hardware supplies detailed steps and even an animated slide show to illustrate how a single-pole toggle switch is installed. Click on any one of the many toggle switches listed at Carling Technologies to get installation specifics and wiring diagrams.

• Consult a licensed electrician when installing toggle switches.

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