IT2016

Basic Control Devices

Circuit control devices are used everywhere that electrical or electronic circuits are used. These devices are used to "turn
on" or "turn off" current flow in an electrical circuit. These are needed to start, stop, or redirect current flow in an
electrical circuit. Circuit control, in its simplest form, is the application and removal of power.

Switches
A switch is the most common circuit control device. Switches usually have two or more sets of contacts. Opening these
contacts is called "break" or "open" the circuit. Closing the contacts is called "make" or "completing" the circuit.
Switch Symbols are also used to indicate an open or closed path of current flow.
Variations of this symbol are used to represent limit switches, foot switches , pressure
switches, level switches, temperature-actuated switches, flow switches, and selector
switches. Switches, like contacts, require another device or action to change their state.

Types of Switches
• Manual Switch is a switch that is controlled by a person. In other words, a manual switch is a switch that you
turn on or off. Examples of common manual switches are a light switch, the ignition switch on a motor vehicle,
or the channel selector on a television.
• Automatic Switch is a switch that is controlled by a mechanical or electrical device. You do not have to turn an
automatic switch on or off.
o The thermostat will turn a furnace or air conditioner on or off by responding to the temperature in a
room.
o The distributor electrically turns on the spark plug circuit at the proper time by responding to the
mechanical rotation of a shaft.
• Multicontact Switches are sometimes used to control more than one circuit or to select one of several possible
circuits.

Kinds of Switches (A. Bhatia, n.d.)

Switches are described by the number of poles and throws they have. "Poles" refer to the number of input circuit
terminals, while "Throws" refer to the number of output circuit terminal s.
Single Pole Single Throw (SPST)
The simplest type of switch is a "hinged pawl" or "knife blade" switch. It either
"completes" (turn on) or "breaks" (turn off) the circuit in a single circuit. This switch
has a single input pole and a single output throw.

Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT)

A single-pole input, double-throw output switch has one wire going it and two wires
coming out. The switch sends current to either the high-beams or low- beams of
the headlight circuit.

Momentary Contact Multiple Pole Multiple Throw (MPMT or Gang Switch)

Multiple-Pole input, Multiple-Throw output switches, which are also known as
"gang" switches, have movable contacts , which are wired in parallel. These switches
move together to supply different sets of output contacts with the current.

Mercury Temperature (Bimetal) Time Delay Flasher

A mercury switch is made of a sealed capsule that is partially filled with mercury. At
one end of the capsule are two electrical contacts. As the switch is rotated (moved
from true vertical), the mercury flows to the opposite end of the capsule with the
contacts, completing the circuit.

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Time Delay Switch

The time delay switch contains a bimetal strip, contacts, and a heating element. The
time delay switch is normally closed. As current flows through the switch, current
flows through the heating element, causing it to heat, which causes the bimetal
strip to bend and open the contacts. As current continues to flow through the
heating element, the bimetal strip is kept hot, keeping the switch contacts open.
Flasher
The flasher operates basically the same as the time delay switch; except when the
contacts open, the current stops flowing through the heating element. This causes
the heating element and bimetal strip to cool. The bimetal strip returns to the rest
position, which closes the contacts, allowing current to flow through the contacts
and heating element again. This cycle repeats over and over until power to the
flasher is eliminated.
Rotary Switch
It is a multi-contact switch with contacts arranged in a circular or semicircular
manner. It is a mid-contact switch part of the schematic with the contacts arranged
in a full or partial circle. Instead of a pushbutton or toggle, the mechanism used to
select the contact moves in a circular motion and must be tur ned. Rotary switches
can be manual or automatic switches
Wafer Switch
A wafer switch is a rotary switch in which the contacts are on wafers. The wafers
are mechanically connected by the shaft of the switch. The schematic of the wafer
is always drawn to represent the wafer as it would look if viewed from opposite the
operating handle or mechanism.

Solenoids
A solenoid is an electromagnetic switch that converts current flow into mechanical
movement. While a solenoid is a control device, the solenoid itself is energized by
some other control device such as a switch or a relay. One of the distinct advantages
of the use of solenoids is that a mechanical movement can be accomplished at a
considerable distance from the control device. The only link necessary between the
control device and the solenoid is the electrical wiring for the coil current.

Solenoid Operations
• Pulling Type Operation
As current flows through the winding, a magnetic field is
created. If an iron core is placed near the coil that has current
flowing through it, the magnetic field will stretch out like a
rubber band, reaching out and pulling the iron bar into the
center of the coil.

• Push/Pull Type
In a "push-pull" type solenoid, a permanent magnet is used
for the core. Since "like" magnetic charges repel and "unlike"
magnetic charges attract, by changing the direction of
current flow through the coil, the core is either "pulled in" or
"pushed out." A common use for this type of solenoid is on
electric door locks.

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Relays (A. Bhatia, n.d.)

A relay is simply a remote-control switch, which uses a small amount of current to control a large amount of current.
Relay construction contains an iron core, electromagnetic coil, and an armature (moveable contact set). This device acts
upon the same fundamental principle as the solenoid. The difference between a relay and a solenoid is that a relay
does not have a movable core (plunger) while the solenoid does.
A typical relay has both a control circuit and a power circuit.
• Power relays are called CONTACTORS; control relays are usually
known simply as relays. The function of a contactor is to use a
relatively small amount of electrical power to control the
switching of a large amount of power.
• Control relays, as their name implies, are frequently used in the
control of low power circuits or other relays, although they also
have many other uses. In automatic relay circuits, a small electric
signal may set off a chain reaction of successively acting relays,
which then perform various functions.

Relay Operation
• Current flows through the control coil, which is wrapped around an iron core.
• The iron core intensifies the magnetic field. The magnetic field
attracts the upper contact arm and pulls it down, closing the contacts
and allowing power from the power source to go to the load.
• When the coil is not energized, the contacts are open, and no power
goes to the load.
• When the control circuit switch is closed, however, current flows to
the relay and energizes the coil.
• The resulting magnetic field pulls the armature down, closing the
contacts and allowing power to the load.

Relay Contact Forms

Clapper Relay
As the circuit is energized, the clapper is pulled to the magnetic coil. This physical
movement of the armature of the clapper forces the pushrod and movable contacts
upward. Any number of sets of contacts may be built onto the relay; thus, it is possible to
control many different circuits at the same time. This type of relay can be a source of
trouble because the motion of the clapper armature does not necessarily assure
movement of all the movable contacts.

Thermal Time-delay Relay

This relay is constructed to produce a delayed action when energized. Its operation depends on
the thermal action of a bimetallic element like that used in a thermal circuit breaker. A heater
is mounted around or near the element. The movable contact is mounted on the element
itself. As the heat causes the element to bend (because of the different thermal expansion
rates), the contacts close.

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Example:
A 3-phase magnetic contactor rated at 270 𝐴, 460𝑣 Step 1: Solve for the inrush exciting current.
possesses a 120𝑣 , 60 𝐻𝑧 relay coil. The coil absorbs an 𝑆 2970 𝑉𝐴
apparent power of 2970 𝑉𝐴 and 212 𝑉𝐴, respectively, in 𝐼= = = 24.75𝐴
𝐸 120𝑣
the open and closed contactor position. Calculate the Step 2: Solve for the normal, sealed exciting current.
following: 𝑆 212 𝑉𝐴
• The inrush exciting current 𝐼= = = 1.77𝐴
𝐸 120𝑣
• The normal, sealed exciting current Step 3: Solve for the normal, sealed exciting current.
• The control power needed to actuate the relay coil 𝑆 = 𝐸𝐼√3 = 460𝑣 (270 𝐴) (√3 ) = 215120.71 𝑉𝐴

Rheostat
The rheostat controls the power dissipated in the load. It has been shown that the power dissipated in the load drops
to one-fourth when the current is halved. This is to be expected since power varies as the square of the current. There
are two connection variable resistors configured to provide any resistive value within their ohmic range to control the
flow of current through them. Rheostats are large high wattage, wire-wound variable resistors used in high current
applications as the main advantage of the rheostat is their higher power rating.

Silicon-Controlled Rectifier
A silicon-controlled rectifier or semiconductor-
controlled rectifier is a four-layer solid state current-
controlling device. SCRs are mainly used in electronic
devices that require control of high voltage and
power. This makes them applicable in medium and
high AC power operations such as motor control
function. An SCR conducts when a gate pulse is
applied to it, just like a diode. It has four layers of
semiconductors that form two structures , namely:
NPNP or PNPN.

SCR Operation
• OFF state forward-blocking mode − Here, the anode is assigned a positive voltage, the gate is assigned a zero-
voltage disconnected, and the cathode is assigned a negative voltage. As a result, Junctions J1 and J3 are in
forward bias while J2 is in reverse bias. J2 reaches its breakdown avalanche value and starts to conduct. Below
this value, the resistance of J1 is significantly high and is thus said to be in the off state.
• ON state conducting mode - An SCR is brought to this state either by increasing the potential difference between
the anode and cathode above the avalanche voltage or by applying a positive signal at the gate. Immediately the
SCR starts to conduct, the gate voltage is no longer needed to maintain the ON state and is, therefore, switched
off by − Decreasing the current flow through it to the lowest value called holding current Using a transistor
placed across the junction.
• Reverse blocking − This compensates for the drop in forward voltage. This is since a low doped region in P1 is
needed. It is important to note that the voltage ratings of forward and reverse blocking are equal.

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Example:
Determine 𝐼𝐺 and 𝐼𝐴 when SW1 is momentarily closed. Step 1: Determine KVL loops. Set SW1 to closed and
Assume 𝑉𝐴 𝐾 = 0.8𝑣, 𝑉𝐺𝐾 = 0.7𝑣 and 𝐼𝐻 = 20𝑚𝐴. determine Loop 1. Set both SW open for Loop 2.
What is the state of the SCR if 𝑉𝐴 is reduced to 12𝑣?

Step 2: Determine equations for Loop 1 and 2, substitute the Step 3: Determine 𝐼𝐴 if 𝑉𝐴 = 12𝑣 . Use Loop 2
given values and compute for 𝐼𝐺 and 𝐼𝐴. equation to be substituted and computed.
Loop 1: 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐴𝐾 12 𝑣 − 0.8 𝑣
𝐼𝐴 = = = 11.2 𝑚𝐴
𝑉𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑔 − 𝑉𝐺𝐾 3𝑣 − 0.7𝑣 𝑅𝐴 1 kΩ
𝐼𝐺 = = = 4.1 𝑚𝐴
𝑅𝐺 560 Ω
Loop 2: Step 4: Compare the given 𝐼𝐻 to the current 𝐼𝐴.
𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐴𝐾 24 𝑣 − 0.8 𝑣 𝐼𝐻 > 𝐼𝐴
𝐼𝐴 = = = 23.2 𝑚𝐴
𝑅𝐴 1 kΩ 20 𝑚𝐴 > 11.2 𝑚𝐴
∴ 𝑆𝐶𝑅 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑂𝐹𝐹 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒

References:
Bhatia, A. (2015). Circuit control devices. https://www.cedengineering.com/userfiles/Circuit%20Control%20Devices.pdf
Boylestad, R. & Nashelsky, R. (2013). Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory (11 th ed.). Pearson.
Fernandez-Canque, H. (2017). Analog Electronics Applications – Fundamentals of Design and Analysis. CRC Press.
Lian, M. [ECEmadeEasy - by Engr. Lian]. (2020, September 5). Thyristors: Silicon Controlled Rectifier SCR - Application
and Solution to Sample Problems [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_m9E-0VpH4
Rheostat – Working, Construction, Types & Uses. (n.d.). Circuitstoday.com. Retrieved on October 6, 2020 from
https://www.circuitstoday.com/rheostat-working
Schuler, C. (2019). Electronics: Principles and Applications (9 th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Silicon Controlled Rectifier. (n.d.). TutorialsPoint.com. Retrieved on September 25, 2020 from
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/power_electronics/power_electronics_silicon_controlled_rectifier.htm
Stephan, K. (2015). Analog and Mixed-Signal Electronics. Wiley.
Storey, N. (2017). Electronics. A Systems Approach (6 th ed.). Pearson.
Sullivan, K. (n.d.). Control devices. https://www.autoshop101.com/forms/hweb5.pdf

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