Difference Between SPST, SPDT And DPDT

Difference Between SPST, SPDT And DPDT

Difference Between SPST, SPDT And DPDT

Switch circuit type

  1. SPDT
  2. SPST
  3. DPDT

Switches are basic methods for opening and closing an electrical circuit. The circuits vary from simple make/break circuits to multi-makes and multi-break circuits. Though the logic is quite simple, an excellent circuit must be chosen for the application. So let us look at each circuit style and better understand the mechanics of the switch and the best-applied application for each circuit.

 

SPDT Circuits – Single Pole, Double Throw

One of the most common styles of switches is the SPDT Mechanical switch. The SPDT stands for Single Pole, Double Throw. As stated, there is a standard terminal on the switch where the voltage and current are applied, and that voltage and current can be either directed to the normally open or normally closed terminal. The direction of the current flow is typically directed by a mechanical roller lever that actuates the switch.

Benefits of the SPDT mechanical switch

  • Low cost
  • Proven reliability for most applications
  • Switches’ ability to function with high voltages and currents
  • Higher switching currents allow the device to control
  • Relays
  • Plant devices such as pumps
  • And drive motors

Mechanics of the switch

The SPDT switch has three connections – the NO (Normally Open), NC (Normally Closed), and the C (Common). Input current enters the switch through the common and makes the circuit either with the NO (normally open) or the NC (normally closed) contacts.

Applications

In control rooms, two lights are used for each valve position. One light for “on” and one for “off,” thus assuring that the switch functions regardless of its position.

Look for switches specified with stiffer contact springs and engineered construction materials. These small details will allow the switch to resist dirt and debris better and prevent freeze-up in cold conditions. A common problem is where the mechanical internals of the switch is frozen in place. This condition is prevalent with “off-the-shelf” switches.

 

DPDT circuits – double pole, double throw

Benefits of the DPDT mechanical switch

  • Ability to carry two independent signals
  • Failover capabilities
  • Switches’ ability to function with high voltages and currents
  • Higher switching currents allow the device to control
  • Relays
  • Plant devices such as pumps
  • And drive motors
  • Mechanics of the DPDT Switch

The DPDT switch is, in effect, the equivalent of two SPDT switches that operate in tandem. The DPDT switch is two SPDT circuits located internally to the switch housing, and these two circuits are actuated in tandem by a common lever mechanism inside the switch housing. There are typically six terminals on a DPDT mechanical switch. Two C (Common), Two NO (Normally Open), and Two NO (Normally Closed).

DPDT applications

Because of this design, mechanical DPDT switches are often used for simultaneous switching two independent signals that must operate in tandem. One example frequently used by the DPDT design is when one switch circuit is used to send a low-level signal back to the control room for PLC or DCS processing. At the same time, the second internal switch circuit is used to drive a relay for another device. The application may switch two different signal voltages and currents with both completely isolated circuits.

Another critical application handled simply with the DPDT mechanical switch is redundant signaling applications. A failover circuit is already set up if there is signal loss from the first circuit.

 

SPST circuits – single pole, single throw

Benefits of the SPST mechanical switch

  • Simple design
  • More accessible to set up and wire too
  • Less required cabling
  • Not a common design
  • Mechanics of the SPST Switch

The SPST mechanical switch has two terminal connections – the NO (Normally Open) and the C (standard). When the switch is actuated, the circuit is closed (or made), and current flows from the common terminal through to the normally open terminal. When the SPST mechanical switch is not actuated, the circuit is not closed; instead, it is an open circuit (not made). The design is analogous to a simple light switch on (lighted) or off (dark).

SPST applications

Advanced process control systems can use SPST mechanical switches in place of two wire sensors. As is commonly done, one can use two of the three contacts of a standard SPDT switch to mimic an SPST.

 

Unionwell G5 Series Basic Micro Switch Products List >>

Huizhou Unionwell Sensing & Control Electronics Co., Ltd specializes in producing quality micro switches for the automotive industry and white goods of home appliances. Main products include basic micro switches, waterproof switches, air pressure switches, mechanical keyboard switches, and door switches.

For better pricing, lead time, and quality control guarantees, we acquired Huizhou Greetech Electronics Co., Ltd in 2021. We made it our China production base with over 500 employees and a 250 million pieces/year production capacity.

With the subsidiary sales branch Guangzhou Unionwell Sensing & Control Technology Co., Ltd founded, our global reach covers North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Most of our business partners/end customers are Global 500 enterprises, including world-famous home appliance brands and leading automotive suppliers in North America and Europe.

We are launching a new industrial base at Longmen, Huizhou, Guangdong Province, which will work as Unionwell headquarters. Automation equipment will be introduced, massively improving the switch production capacity from 250 million pieces to over 1.3 billion pieces/year.

 

For more micro switches, please visit our website:

https://www.unionwellswitch.com

Or send an email to know more information: inquiry@unionwellswitch.com.

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