ROTARY SWITCH

ROTARY SWITCH

A rotary switch is a switch operated by rotation. These are often chosen when more than 2 positions are needed, such as a threespeed fan or a CB radio with multiple frequencies of reception or "channels". A rotary switch consists of a spindle or "rotor" that has a contact arm or "spoke" which projects from its surface like a cam. It has an array of terminals, arranged in a circle around the rotor, each of which serves as a contact for the "spoke" through which any one of a number of different electrical circuits can be connected to the rotor. The switch is layered to allow the use of multiple poles; each layer is equivalent to one pole. Usually such a switch has a detent mechanism so it "clicks" from one active position to another rather than stalls in an intermediate position. Thus a rotary switch provides greater pole and throw capabilities than simpler switches do.

ROTARY SWITCHES
Used for complex circuits Can have multiple throws

ROTARY SWITCH

Example- Stereo input selector

APPLICATIONS

Test and Measurement Low and High end Audio Military Aerospace Construction and Agricultural Equipment Medical and Diagnostic Equipment Transportation and Off Road Vehicles Military and Commercial Communication

TOGGLE SWITCH

TOGGLE SWITCH

A toggle switch is a class of electrical switches that are manually actuated by a mechanical lever, handle, or rocking mechanism. Toggle switches are available in many different styles and sizes, and are used in countless applications. Many are designed to provide the simultaneous actuation of multiple sets of electrical contacts, or the control of large amounts of electric current or mains voltages. The word "toggle" is a reference to a kind of mechanism or joint consisting of two arms, which are almost in line with each other, connected with an elbow-like pivot. However, the phrase "toggle switch" is applied to a switch with a short handle and a positive snap-action, whether it actually contains a toggle mechanism or not. Similarly, a switch where a definitive click is heard, is called a "positive on-off switch".

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Medium power, bench-size devices, analog switching - audio, measurement equipment etc. Mechanical latching operation and Agency Approvals option Design typically has substantial amount of selfcleaning capability due to contact wipe action

MERCURY TILT SWITCH

MERCURY TILT SWITCH

A mercury switch (also known as a mercury tilt switch) is a switch which opens and closes an electrical circuit through a small amount of liquid mercury. Mercury switches have one or more sets of electrical contacts in a sealed glass envelope which contains a bead of mercury. The envelope may also contain air, an inert gas, or a vacuum. Gravity is constantly pulling the drop of mercury to the lowest point in the envelope. When the switch is tilted in the appropriate direction, the mercury touches a set of contacts, thus completing the electrical circuit through those contacts. Tilting the switch the opposite direction causes the mercury to move away from that set of contacts, thus breaking that circuit. The switch may contain multiple sets of contacts, closing different sets at different angles allowing, for example, single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) operation.

MECHANICS OF A TILT/TIP SWITCH

Consists of a glass or metal encasement Two electrode contacts on one side Free floating ball of mercury or another conductor enclosed in the encasement This ball allows current to flow between the electrodes

SWITCHING DEVICE IN OFF POSITION

Tube

Electrodes

Ball Bearing or Mercury Ball

Figure 1.1

SWITCHING DEVICE IN ON POSITION

Tube

Ball Bearing or Mercury Ball

Electrodes
Figure 1.2

WHY MERCURY IS USED

Liquid at room temperature Sensitive to small movements Surrounds the electrode which allows it to pass larger amounts of current Conducts electricity

PRODUCTS WHICH CONTAIN MERCURY SWITCHES

Thermostats

that contain 2 to 6 switches

each Space heaters where it is used as a safety device Steam irons (safety device) Flotation devices to control the amount of fluid in a tank Mobile homes used as a leveling device Car trunk and hood lamps

HAZARDS OF MERCURY USE

HIGHLY

TOXIC Can remain in the atmosphere for up to a year Does not degrade in the environment Primary source of exposure is through water supply Causes severe damage to body through inhalation and ingestion of contaminated fish

WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE TO MERCURY SWITCHES?

Switches which use ball bearings instead of mercury

Experimental material with mercury-like properties in a vacuum but unstable in air (high cost)

SAMPLE VIDEO