Various Types of Switches (physical types)

Pushbutton switch

Description: Pushbutton switches consist of a plunger that is pushed into the body of the switch in order to make or break electrical contact among its terminals.

Facts: Momentary contact pushbutton switches are only activated as long as they are being pushed. "Push on/push off" pushbutton switches are pushed once to activate and pushed again to deactivate. Momentary pushbutton switches can be normally open, meaning that the contacts are not connected unless the pushbutton switch is being pressed, or normally closed, meaning that the switch contacts are connected unless the switch is being pressed.

Description: Pull/push switches consist of a plunger that is pulled out of or pushed into the body of the switch in order to make or break electrical contact among its terminals.

Uses: Pull/push switches are often used for control of automotive lighting.

Rocker switch

Description: Rocker switches have a fulcrum like a seesaw. The switch "rocks" from one position to the other.

Description: Pullchain switches are activated by pulling on a chain. This action rotates an inner mechanism that makes or breaks contact among the terminals.

Uses: Pullchain swiches are often used on desk lamps and some overhead lamps.

Description: Rotary switches have a screw or a shaft that is turned in order to adjust the position of the switch.

Facts: Rotary switches tyically have more terminals than other types of switches. A rotary encoder is a type of rotary switch that converts the angular position of the shaft into a digital value.

Toggle switch

Description: Toggle switches have a handle that resembles a lever. To use the switch, the angle of the lever in relation to the body of the switch is adjusted.

Slide switch

Description: Slide switches have a handle that slides from one side of the switch to the other.