Switches - an electrical device that is
used to break or make an electrical
Adamson University
College of Architecture
Building Utilities 2 Lecture 40155
Bu – 2 (304) Assignment- 1
By:
De Borja, John Paulo A. (201914154)
Submitted to:
Ar. Joana Marie Asuro
circuit manually or automatically. The
working principle of switch depends
on ON/ OFF mechanism.
Pole - A switch pole refers to the
number of separate circuits that the
switch controls.
Throw - The number of throws
indicates how many different output
connections each switch pole can
connect its input to.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF SWITCHES
a. General Use Switch - A switch
intended for use in general
distribution and branch circuits. It is
rated in amperes, and it is capable of
interrupting its rated current at its
rated voltage.
b. Isolating Switch - A switch
intended for isolating an electric
circuit from the source of power.
c. Motor Circuit Switch – A switch
rated in horsepower that is capable of
interrupting the maximum operating
overload current of a motor of the
same horsepower rating as the switch
at the rated voltage
d. Transfer Switch - an electrical
switch that switches a load between
two sources.
TYPES OF SWITCHES
a. A single-pole switch controls just
one circuit.
b. A double-pole switch controls two
separate circuits.
c. A single-throw switch is a simple
on/off switch that connects or
disconnects two terminals.
d. A double-throw switch connects an
input terminal to one of two output
terminals.
e. A Multi-circuit switch the
interconnection of two or more
electrical switches to control an
electrical load from more than one
location.
d. A Momentary contact switch is a
type of switch usually in the form of a
push button that is only engaged
while it is being depressed, as the light at the fixture and usually
opposed to a typical “on/off” switch, operated by a cord or chain.
which latches in its set position.

TYPES OF SWITCH ACCORDING

TO MOUNTING
a. Surface switch - a snap switch
designed for mounting on a plane
surface and requiring no enclosing
parts.

TYPES OF SWITCHES ACCORDING

TO OPERATION
a. Lever Switch - is any electrical
switch that uses a physical lever to
actuate and operate the switch.
b. Flush type - an electrical switch
mounted with only its face exposed
and with its sides surrounded by a
box or case that is not a part of the
switch.

b. Drum Switch - a manual switch

that lets one manually reverse the
direction in which a motor is turning.

c. Pendant switch - are remote hand-

held push button switches that are
used to control machinery or devices
such as a doorbell button.

c. Dial Switch – a switch that moves in

a circle and can stop in several
positions. They are used to control
many different circuits with a single
switch.

d. Canopy switch - a small compact

electric switch installed in the canopy
of a ceiling fixture for direct control of
d. Snap Switch - a manually operated
electric switch with a blade which
makes contact with a snap and in
which the speed of making or
breaking of the circuit is independent
of the speed of operation of the
switch.

TYPES OF SNAP SWITCHES

a. rotary switch - a switch that moves

in a circle and can stop in several
positions. They are used to control
many different circuits with a single
switch.

b. Push button Switch - a simple

electric mechanism or air switch
mechanism to turn something on or
off.

c. Tumbler Switch (toggle Switch) - a

snap switch in which the blades are
actuated by a lever being pushed up
or pulled down.