Rating of Electric Switches
Electrical Switches are rated according to their electrical characteristics. The rating of a switch is determined by different factors such as contact size, contact material, and contact spacing.
There are two basic types to an electric switch rating such as the current and voltage rating:
- Current rating of electric switch
- Voltage rating of electric switch
Current Rating of Electric Switch
- The current rating of a switch refers to the maximum current the switch is designed to carry. This rating is dependent on the voltage of the circuit in which the switch is used.
- The current rating of a switch should never be exceeded. If the current rating of a switch is exceeded, the contacts may “weld” together making it impossible to open the circuit.
Voltage Rating of Electric Switch
- The voltage rating of a switch refers to the maximum voltage allowable in the circuit in which the switch is used. The voltage rating may be given as an ac voltage, a dc voltage, or both.
- The voltage rating of a switch should never be exceeded. If a voltage higher than the voltage rating of the switch is applied to the switch, the voltage may be able to “jump” the open contacts of the switch.
- This would make it impossible to control the circuit in which the switch was used.
Example
A switch may be rated at 250 volts dc, 10 amperes. Some switches have more than one rating. For example, a single switch may be rated at 250 volts dc, 10 amperes; 500 volts ac, 10 amperes; and 28 volts dc, 20 amperes. This rating indicates a current rating that depends upon the voltage applied.
Electric Switch
An electric switch is an important component in an electrical circuit. An electric switch is a simple device that either breaks the circuit or completes it to stop or start the flow of current. An electric switch is an arrangement to switch the circuit ON and OFF as needed. It is also called a “Key” component in an electrical circuit. Basically, it is used to interrupt the general flow of electrons. In this article we will learn about Electric switches, the Working of electric switches, the construction of electric switches and different types of electric switches, and advantages and disadvantages, and their applications.
Table of Content
- What is an Electric Switch?
- Properties
- Construction
- Working
- Types of Electric Switch
- Rating of Electric Switches
- What are Contactors in Electric Switches ?
- Why do we need Electric switch ?
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