Explained: Switch Pre-Travel, Overtravel and Differential Travel
What is travel? You’ve most likely heard such terminology as switch pretravel, overtravel and even differential travel, but what do these all mean? Let’s get down to basics.
What is Contact Resistance in a Circuit?
Contact resistance is just as it sounds: it’s the amount of resistance to the flow of electricity between one contact to another.
What is Actuation or Operating Force? How is it Measured?
It refers to the amount of force applied to the switch’s actuation mechanism to change the motion or cause the contacts to snap over. More simply put: how hard you have to press a switch to make it work.
What Are Inductive and Resistive Loads?
Inductive and resistive loads are two types of electrical loads in electrical circuits. They exhibit different behaviors and characteristics, primarily based on the relationship between voltage and current.
Switches in Sports: Formula 1 Race Car Switches
With Formula 1 Racing continuing to grow in popularity across the United States, it’s the perfect time to investigate the switches in an F1 race car — there are a lot of them.
Through Hole vs Surface Mount Soldering Techniques
There are big differences between the two mounting technologies and clear reasons why one might be preferrable for your application’s components.
What Are Pushbutton Switches and What Are Their Uses?
A Pushbutton switch, also known as a push switch, is a type of mechanical switch used to control the flow of electric current in an electronic circuit.
What Does Make-Before-Break Mean vs Break-Before-Make?
Have you heard of the term “make or break?” Wait, or is it “make before break?” Or maybe “break before make?” What about “shorting vs non-shorting?” Let’s take it one step at a time.
What is a Tact Switch and How Does it Function?
The definition of tactile is “perceptible by touch; tangible” and tact switches are specifically designed to be perceived by touch.
What Are Anti-Vandal Switches and What Are Their Uses?
An anti-vandal switch is an electro-mechanical switch designed to be installed in devices and equipment where it is susceptible to harsh use, vandalism and theft, as well as to withstand extreme temperatures and be resistant to dust and moisture.
How Many Poles and Throws Do You Need?
In electrical and electronic circuits, “poles” and “throws” refer to the number of separate circuits or connections a switch or relay can control.
What Are Rotary Switches and What Are They Used For?
Rotary Switches are a type of electrical switch that uses a rotating mechanism to select one of several positions or settings.