What Is an Electric Switch?
An electric switch is a component designed to control AC power.
AC stands for alternating current, which is an electric current that alternates in direction, cycling between positive and negative. Most commercial power sources utilize AC power.
A switch is a component that can interrupt, allow, or change the flow of electric current.
An electric switch is a component that fulfills both of these functions, specifically designed to control the flow of alternating current.
Uses of AC Electric Switches
Electric switches are common components found in households and everyday life.
A common example is the light switch. In most cases, electric switches are used to control lighting. The voltage used for household lighting is typically 100 VAC. While switches for lighting may handle currents of about 2-5A, household lighting typically requires only around 0.4A.
In addition to household use, switches are employed in various applications, including fan controls.
Even in industrial settings, electric switches are utilized to control small loads.
Principles of Electric Switches
The principle of electric switches is among the simplest in the realm of industrial components.
An electric switch consists of two points that can be opened or short-circuited to control the potential difference between them. The contact surface that manages this switching action is called the contact point. Contacts are typically made of highly conductive and chemically stable materials such as gold, silver, platinum, or brass.
Surrounding the contact area, an insulating material like resin or rubber is used to provide electrical insulation between the contact points and any surfaces that may come into contact with people. Some electric switches include built-in indicator lamps within the contacts to display the switching status. These are often found in household lighting switches.
In addition, electric switches have one or more points where wires with different potentials can be connected. For lighting wiring, VVF wiring is commonly used, which does not require terminal treatment. As a result, electric switches designed for lighting applications often feature screw-in terminals for easy wiring connections.