Energy systems
Energy Systems
Types of Switches
Ideas for making different kinds of switches Each of these switches uses the heads of two paper fasteners as contacts. These fasteners should be pushed through a base made of cardstock or cardboard, with both heads up. Attach the wires from the circuit to the tails of these fasteners underneath the base to connect the switch to the rest of the circuit. The switches differ in the mechanisms used to join and separate the two paper fastener heads, and thereby turn the circuit ON and OFF.
How to operate these switches
To operate a rotary switch, you have to turn something, usually a knob. Switches with multiple ON positions are often of this type. For example, the speed control switch on a fan is usually a rotary switch.
To use a toggle switch, you push a lever up or pull it down, and after you move it, it stays there. Most wall light switches are toggle switches.
A pushbutton switch is one that you have to hold down to keep it ON. A computer mouse, keyboard and cell phone all use pushbutton switches.
A slide switch is operated by pushing a tab back and forth. The ON/OFF switch on the Penguin Race Toy is an example of a slide switch.