Switch

A switch is an electrical component, which can interrupt an electrical circuit or can redirect an electrical current from one conductor to another.

A mechanical switch has two states: either a switch is open or closed. In a closed switch, a electrical connection exists between two conducting materials. In the case of an open switch the materials are disconnected.

Various switches. (Enlarge)

Circuit symbol switch.

Depending on the application and environment there exist a variety of mechanical switches...

• Toggle switch
• Rotary switch
• Push-button switch
• DIP switch
• Coding switch
• etc...