LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Switch: Contacts
built 644 days ago
Switch contacts are rated with a maximum voltage and current, and there may be different ratings for AC and DC. The AC values are higher because the current falls to zero many times each second and an arc is less likely to form across the switch contacts.
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In a multi-throw switch, there are two possible transient behaviors as you move from one position to another. In some switch designs, the new contact is made before the old contact is broken. This is known as make-before-break, and ensures that the moving contact never sees an open circuit (... referred to as a shorting switch). The alternative is break-before-make, where the old contact is broken before the new one is made. This ensures that the two fixed contacts are never shorted to each other. Both types of design are in common use, for different applications.
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The TAS switch responds when pressed with both an auditory as well as a tactile click. This lets the users know that contact has been made. The switch should be electrically connected through a standard 3.5 mm audio jack inserted into the side. It should be used only with battery-operated devices, 5 amps maximum. It is not meant to be used to operate line-powered devices (household appliances, etc.).
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The switch below is a double pole double throw (DPDT) slider switch. This switch has 2 independant circuits. The sliding contact connects 2 of the 3 terminals for each half of the switch. The position of the slider determines which 2 terminals are connected. This diagram is a cut away view of the slide switch.
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In the simplest case, a switch has two pieces of metal called contacts that touch to make a circuit, and separate to break the circuit. The contact material is chosen for its resistance to corrosion, because most metals form insulating oxides that would prevent the switch from working. Contact materials are ... chosen on the basis of electrical conductivity, hardness (resistance to abrasive wear), mechanical strength, low cost and low toxicity[1].
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"Alternative gas suppliers are contacting customers by telephone, by direct mail or door-to-door and asking them to switch their natural gas supplier," said Mark Stiers, MichCon's vice president of gas supply. "It's important to be an informed consumer and ask lots of questions to determine if changing suppliers will actually help you save money or provide other benefits."
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