X

Imtra Learning Center

Imtra’s Learning Center is a great resource for everything you need to know about your boat’s equipment and systems. Everything from product overviews, product comparisons, buying guides, troubleshooting guides, maintenance tips and more can be found here, and it’s always being updated. Be sure to also check out our video library for product demonstrations, how-tos, webinars and much more!

 

Imtra Learning Center

Everything You Need to Know About Switches

Everything You Need to Know About Switches

Author: Conrad Taylor/Wednesday, March 18, 2020/Categories: Lighting

Rate this article:
5.0

A switch is an electrical device that controls the flow of electricity.  In its simplest form it has two terminals that are connected by “Contacts” to energize the circuit or disconnected to de-energize the circuit.  Thus, the options for a simple switch are ON or OFF.

Circuits

The term “Circuit” comes from the Latin “Circuitous,” meaning ”a going around.”  For electricity to perform any useful work, the electrons must flow from the source of power, around the circuit, and back to the source of power.  Following this flow of electrical current can help us understand how the circuit works.

Open vs Closed

In describing switches, we often use the terms “Open” and “Closed.”  If the circuit is open, the current cannot flow.  Thus, a switch in the open position is OFF.  Similarly, a closed switch is ON.  Some of the more complicated switches can have contacts that are “Normally Open” or “Normally Closed.”  This identifies the position of the contacts when the switch is in the unpowered or resting state.

Momentary and Pushbutton

While many switches have a lever or rocker that “snaps” into position, others are spring-loaded to return to the resting state.  For clarification, these are called “Momentary Switch.”  Another common term for these switches is “Pushbutton.”

Latching Switch

Another type of switch is a “Latching Switch.”  These have some internal means for holding them in the ON position until “unlatched.”  This feature is typically found on more complex switches.

Current and Ratings

When a switch is closed, it will carry the current around the circuit.  Thus, the terminals and contacts must be rated to carry the current and voltage expected in the circuit.  Note that both ratings, current and voltage, are important when selecting switches for your specific application.

Combining switches 

In many applications, we want a switch to do more than just turn a circuit ON or OFF.  We can combine multiple switches in one device to accomplish this.

Poles

The term “Pole” refers to the number of “moving” contacts” that are built into the device.  A single pole switch has one moving contact.  Note that this contact may be used to close a single circuit or close one of two circuits.

Throws

The term “Throw” refers to number of directions the switch can be operated.  With a single throw switch, you turn the switch ON by moving it in one direction.  A double-throw switch may be moved in both directions.  In one direction it will close one circuit, in the other direction, it will close another circuit.  Note that a double-throw switch may or may not have a center OFF position.

The simplest switch, a single pole (1P), single throw (1T) switch, can open or close a single circuit.  A 2P1T switch is two 1P 1T switches in a single device activated by a single lever.  It will close or open two separate circuits simultaneously.

A 1P2T switch can close one of two circuits at a time using a common moving contact.  This is often used to choose between one circuit or the other.  A 2P2T switch is two 2P1T switches in a single device activated by a single lever.

Multiple Switch Locations

To control lights from multiple locations, such as multiple doors into a room, we use combinations of switches.  For two locations, we use two 1P2T, no center position switches; one at each location.

switch diagram 2 location

For three locations, we add a 2P2T, no center position switch, with the terminals of the two poles wired together to form a “reversing switch.”   For additional­ locations, we add one reversing switch for each additional switching location.

switch diagram 3 location

3-way/4-way vs 2-way/Reversing

In most of the world, the 1P2T, no center position switch, used to control a lighting circuit from two positions, is referred to as a “2-way” switch.  Much like the use of Fahrenheit instead of Celcius, the United States does not follow this convention, instead calling them “3-way switches.”  Likewise, the 2P2T, reversing switch is called a “4-way” switch in the US.   The reversing switch may also be called a “crossover” or “intermediate switch.”

Universal Switching Symbols

switching chart

Looking for a switch? Checkout our offering of Vimar switching products here. Now sure which Vimar switch you need? Here’s our Vimar Switching Guide:

VimarSwitchingIDChar...

Print

Number of views (8293)/Comments (0)

Please login or register to post comments.

Related Articles

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Vimar Switching & Outlet System

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Vimar Switching & Outlet System

Vimar is one of the world’s top manufacturers of decorative switching and outlet systems, particularly popular in the marine industry thanks to the vast selection of styles and designs. The seemingly endless options can make the initial selection process a bit overwhelming. In this piece we’ll take a look at how to put a system together that is best for your specific application.

Monday, February 28, 2022/Author: Conrad Taylor/Number of views (1839)/Comments (0)/ Article rating: No rating
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Marine LED Lights

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Marine LED Lights

LED lighting technology has come a long way. Imtra product experts walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of marine LED lights for your boat.

Friday, August 14, 2020/Author: Conrad Taylor/Number of views (11504)/Comments (0)/ Article rating: 3.0
Categories: Lighting
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Marine LED Lights

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Marine LED Lights

What should I consider when buying LED lights for my boat? Let’s take a closer look at the 17 most common questions people have before upgrading their lights.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020/Author: Conrad Taylor/Number of views (5275)/Comments (0)/ Article rating: 3.0
Categories: Lighting
LED vs. Halogen: Should I Convert to LED Lighting on my Boat?

LED vs. Halogen: Should I Convert to LED Lighting on my Boat?

Imtra’s lighting expert Colby Chevalier explains the key differences between LED and Halogen lighting for boats.
Thursday, March 12, 2020/Author: Conrad Taylor/Number of views (3925)/Comments (0)/ Article rating: No rating
Categories: Lighting
RSS