Auto Electrical Parts
Automotive Toggle Switch Projects
Toggle switches have many applications when designing projects using manually switched control circuits.
Always check the power consumption of the load you are intending to supply through the toggle switch. This is done easily using Ohms Law :
Power=Current x Voltage
or transposing this
Power (Watts) divided by Voltage (V) = Current load (Amps)
An Ammeter placed in line with the circuit will identify the current flow during operation. Always use components rated above the value of circuit maximum current rating.
Use a circuit with a relay to switch higher loads.
Terminology:
"Poles and Throws"
Pole : The number of Switch Contacts ( note this is not the number of terminals)
Throw: The number of Conducting Positions ( could be termed outputs but this would depend how the switch is wired)
SPST : Single Pole Single Throw SPDT : Single Pole Double Throw ( Changeover Switch ) DPST : Double Pole Single Throw (Switches two circuits seperately with one throw of the switch)