Electronic switches are devices that can interrupt the flow of a circuit. Many electronic switches are binary devices that are either closed to allow the current to pass through the circuit or they are open, which breaks the flow. Other switches have multiple closed positions that allow varying currents to pass through, altering the output.
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APEM Components, Inc.Haverhill, MA 877-246-7890 Since its creation in 1952, APEM has become one of the leading worldwide manufacturers of man-machine interfaces. The group is present in 11 countries and has a network of more than 130 distributors and agents on five continents, including plants in Europe, North Africa, America and Asia. For world-class electronic switches, go to a world-class source-APEM Components!
Sytek Enterprises Inc.North Vancouver, BC 800-567-9835 Sytek is a manufacturer of custom printed products, electronic switches and overlays.Through years of experience and innovation, Sytek delivers the impossible! The goal at Sytek is to provide its clients with the best design consultancy, custom production and product manufacturing in the industry. Sytek's employees are dedicated to exceeding your expectations. Call now.
Efacec USA, Inc.Norcross, GA 770-446-8854 Efacec USA, Inc. is a Portuguese company present in over 65 countries, in all 5 continents, incorporated in 1948. With over 4,000 experienced professionals working toward effective and innovative solutions everyday, there is no doubt Efacec can meet your requirements on time and at highly competitive prices-for electronic switches of the highest quality, choose Efacec.
Arrow Electronics, Inc.Englewood, CO (303)824-4000 Arrow is a global provider of excellent electronic switches among other products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of quality components and enterprise computing solutions. Arrow serves a global network of more than 390 locations in 52 countries and is ready to serve you, too! Please visit Arrow's website today for full product and service descriptions today.
Indak Manufacturing CorporationNorthbrook, IL 847-272-0343 INDAK Manufacturing designs and manufactures high-quality electronic switches in addition to many more products, such as mechatronic and mechanical switches, LED lighting assemblies, resistors, potentiometers, vacuum valves, control modules, displays, clocks, timers and more, serving the automotive, outdoor power, electronics and appliance manufacturers and their suppliers worldwide.
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Electronic switches are categorized by various factors including their actuator, which is a mechanism that applies force to the switch's contacts. Switches generally consist of conducting material, wires, terminals and actuators housed in a protective casing; these components vary in quantity and arrangement, but they are similar in that they can complete a circuit by allowing an electrical current to flow through them. Complex switches turn on or off when a light or magnetic field is sensed, while simple switches require physical contact with the conductors and actuator. There are many different kinds of electronic switches. One main differentiation is between single pole (SP) and double pole (DP). SP switches have two contacts that enable the circuit to be either open or closed. DP switches have two closed positions and one for an open circuit (that is, two "on" positions with one "off"). Electronic switches are used in every device with the ability to power on or turn off. Computers, radios, microwaves, headlights, televisions and toasters are just a few examples of devices in which electronic switches are used.
The actuator is an important part of the switch; it determines the arrangement of other internal components. Electrical switch actuators include plungers, rockers, push buttons, dials or toggles; these actuators are used in many different arrangements. Toggle switches are switches with an angled lever that rests in one of at least two positions. An internal spring mechanism ensures that it returns to a definite position. Push button switches have two positions: depressed and released. Some latch until pulled out while others have a spring that returns the actuator to its original position. Selector switches have a knob or lever that can be rotated to select at least two positions. Joystick switches have a lever with at least two axes of motion that control the circuit based on which way it is turned and how far it is pushed. Some switches are designed to be operated by a machine's movement; these switches are called limit switches because they limit the motion of a machine by turning off the power if the machine moves too far away from the switch. Proximity switches are able to sense either approaching metallic objects through a disruption in its magnetic field or through a change in light as interpreted by its photocell.