Switches
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On most layouts switches are required to perform all manner of tasks from setting your switch machines, to your crossing gates, to the street lighting, to detection tasks and so on. We have a number of different switches configurations available shown in the chart below. In the section below we have listed information about switches to help you in your selection process.
Toggle Switches are available in various configurations as described below. These switches have a small handle which protrudes through your panel and allows you to throw the switch.
- A SPDT (single pull double throw) switch can be used to switch 1 line to two different points. This kind of switch can be used for many purposes such as turning something on or off. We have this type of switch available in a momentary configuration (see below).
- A DPDT (double pull double throw) switch can be used to switch 2 lines to two different points. The switch is similar to the SPDT switch with the exception that two circuits can be switched simultaneously. We have this switch available in two sizes and in an on-on and an on-off-on configuration.
- A 3PDT (triple pull double throw) switch can be used to switch 3 lines to two different points. The switch is similar to the SPDT switch with the exception that three circuits can be switched simultaneously. We have this switch available in one size only with a on-on configuration.
- Switch Features for Toggle Switches
- A momentary (ie. mom-off-mom) switch will sit in a centre position and when you activate it the switch will be activated for as long as you hold the switch handle. When you release the handle the switch will disconnect the circuit again. This switch can be very handy for activating switch machines and other solenoid activated devices.
- Some switches have a centre off position (on-off-on). These switch allows you to switch between one point and two points however you can also leave both points turned off by placing the switch in the center off position. This type of switch can be handy for switching power between 2 power packs and a block. The center off means you can have Pack A, Pack B or no power connected.
- Some switches do not have a center off position (on-on). These switches allow you to switch between a common point and two other points. With this switch one of the two points is always connected to the common point. This style of switch is handy for turning things on or off such as layout lighting, animation effects, and many other layout items.
Pushbutton switches come in two configurations: Normally Closed (NC) and Normally Open (NO):
- The Normally Open switch does not complete a circuit unless you push a button. This style of switch can be used for setting switch machines or other solenoids amongst other uses. This is the most popular type of push button switch.
- The Normally Closed switch opens a circuit when you push the button. This type of switch will break a circuit when its pressed. This style of switch is useful for interrupting a circuit path.
Reed switches are switches which contain a small metallic reed. When a magnet is passed over this reed the contact close on the switch. When the force of the magnet is no longer felt the switch disengages. Typical application might include crossing gate activation, sound module activation, input to a position sensing system and other users. These switches are generally available in a Normally Open configuration.
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Switches |
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Switch Details/Type |
Configuration |
Qty/Pack |
Price/Pack |
Order Code |
|
Toggle
Switch 1/4" 125V 6A |
SPDT
mom-off-mom |
2 |
$4.25 |
E-SwSPDTa |
|
Toggle
Switch 1/4" 125V 6A |
DPDT
on-off-on |
2 |
$4.25 |
E-SwDPDTa |
|
Toggle
Switch 1/8" 125V 6A |
DPDT
on-on |
2 |
$4.25 |
E-SwDPDTb |
|
Toggle
Switch 1/4" 125V 6A |
3PDT
on-on |
1 |
$3.99 |
E-Sw3PDTa |
|
Pushbutton
Switch 1/4" 125V 3A |
NO -
Normally Open |
5 |
$3.25 |
E-SwPBNO |
|
Pushbutton
Switch 1/4" 125V 3A |
NC -
Normally Closed |
5 |
$3.25 |
E-SwPBNC |
|
Miniature
Reed Switch 1A |
NO -
Normally Open |
4 |
$2.99 |
E-SwMRd |
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NO =
Normally Open, NC = Normally Closed, on-off-on = Center off position, mom-off-mom
momentary action switch.
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Home Other Electronic Components
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last updated this page on March 4, 2006.