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Switches
A switch is a device which is designed to interrupt the current flow in a circuit. So the switches are the part
of a control system and without it, control operation cannot be achieved. A switch can perform two functions,
namely fully ON (by closing its contacts) or fully OFF (by opening its contacts).
When the contacts of a switch are closed, the switch creates the closed path for current flow and hence
load consumes the power from source. When the contacts of a switch are open, no power will be consumed by the
load as shown in below figure.
NO = Normally Open
NC = Normally Closed
Push Button
NO Contact
Push Button
NC Contact
Push Button
Double Contact
NO Contact
Push Button
Mushroom Head
NO Contact
Push Button
Mushroom Head
NC and NO
Contacts
Toggle Switch
Limit Switch
NO Contact
Limit Switch
NC Contact
Float Switch
NC Contact
Proximity Switch
NO Contact
Proximity Switch
NC Contact
Foot Switch
NO Contact
Foot Switch
NC Contact
Flow Switch
(Water, Air, ETC)
NO Contact
Flow Switch
(Water, Air, ETC)
NC Contact
Temperature
Switch
NO Contact
Temperature
Switch
NC Contact
Vacuum and
Pressure Switch
NO Contact
Vacuum and
Pressure Switch
NC Contact
Circuit Breaker - is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from
damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow
after a fault is detected.
Circuit Breaker
3 Pole
Circuit Breaker
1 Pole Circuit Breaker Circuit Breaker
3 Pole 1 Pole
Disconnect Switch- a disconnector, disconnect switch or isolator switch is used to ensure that an
electrical circuit is completely de-energized for service or maintenance. Such switches are often found in electrical
distribution and industrial applications, where machinery must have its source of driving power removed for
adjustment or repair. High-voltage isolation switches are used in electrical substations to allow isolation of
apparatus such as circuit breakers, transformers, and transmission lines, for maintenance. The disconnector is
usually not intended for normal control of the circuit, but only for safety isolation. Disconnectors can be manual
or motor operated.
Disconnect Switch
3 Pole
Disconnect Switch
1 Pole Disconnect Switch Disconnect Switch
3 Pole 1 Pole
Thermal overload relays - are installed in the main circuit when electromechanical protection is adequate.
This protects the motor in case of phase failure or overload. The thermal overload relay does not directly shut
down the load. Instead, it triggers one or several auxiliary contacts which then disconnect the motor. Most
thermal overload relays can be mounted directly to the contactor. Thermal overload relays have three pins. They
contain a thermal release - hence the name - usually a bimetal element. Direct or indirect heating caused by
overload bends the bimetal release and the relay trips.
Overload Heater
Elements
3 Poles
Overload Heater
Elements
1 Poles
Horn or Buzzer
AC Motor
3 Phase
AC Motor
1 Phase AC motor AC Motor
3 Phase 1 Phase
DC Motor
Electromagnetic
Solenoid
Control Contacts
Relay Contactor
1. Relays are switching devices used in any control
1. Contactors are switching devices used to control
circuit for checking a condition or multiplying the
power flow to any load.
number of contacts available.
2. Relatively smaller in size 2. Larger when compared to Relays
3. Control Relays are usually rated to only 250V 3. Contactors are commonly rated for up to 1000V
4. Used in circuits with low and higher ampacity up
4. Used in circuits with lower ampacity. (Max 20A)
to 12500A
5. Mainly used in control and automation circuits,
5. Used in the switching of motors, capacitors, lights
protection circuits and for switching small
etc.
electronic circuits.
6. Consists of a minimum one set of three-phase
6. Consists of at least two NO/NC contacts power contacts and in some cases additional
auxiliary contacts are also provided.
7. Relays do not have an arc suppression system 7. Normally, contactors have in- built arc chutes for
built-in. suppression.
Relay or
Contactor Coil
Relay, Contactor
or Starter Contact
NO Contact
Relay, Contactor
or Starter Contact Contactor Relay
NC Contact
On Delay Relay /
Timer
NO Contact
On Delay Relay /
Timer
NC Contact