The standard US "3-way" light switch (used for switching a light from two different switches) is single-pole double-throw. It has 3 terminals (hence the term "3-way"), and it connects one of those terminals to either of the other two, depending on the switch position. There's no OFF position, so the switch has only two positions.
This question actually gives its own answer exactly: the switch has only one pole. (Meaning it can switch only one wire.) The switch can be used to connect or disconnect that one pole with only one "throw". (Meaning you can only use it to switch that single wire on or off.)
.............................../ Pole 1 ---------------O O---------------------- | | ................................/ Pole 2 ----------------O O--------------------- | Two single throw switches mechanically joined together so that their individual poles are switched simultaneously. One throw actuates both poles. Example: that doubled air conditioner circuitbreaker. Add another position for each flapper "/ " and you have a double pole double throw. Periods .... were used to place flappers, which should connect to the O's below them. Graphical interface would be helpful. Throw = switching actions available to different circuit paths Pole = a power line connection to switch to the different paths.
Single pole only switches the live wire. Double pole switches live and neutral.
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The electrical code only allows the neutral to be switched in one type of installation. It is in explosion proof wiring for fuel pump dispensers.
In North America a double pole switch is used to isolate 240 volt installations. This is where both legs of the 240 supply have to be isolated from the load for safety reasons.
Single pole, single throw
A single pole, single throw switch can be operated to send current only to one other part of a circuit.
So it can be used to switch something on or off.
Single pole, double throw
A single pole, double throw switch can operate to send current either to one part or to another part of a circuit.
So it can be used to switch something on whilst switching something else off, or vice versa.
Manually operated switches and electrically operated relays are available as "single pole, single throw", "single pole, double throw", "double pole, single throw", "double pole, double throw" and in many other variants of poles and throws.
A single pole single throw switch is like the one on your wall in your residence. The switch has two wire terminal points. In the off position the contacts inside the switch are open and prevents the circuit current from flowing. In the on position the contacts inside the switch are closed and that allows the circuit current to flow and the device that is connected in the circuit to operate. In the electrical trade these types of switches are identified by the letters SPST.
SPDT) Three terminal switch in which one terminal can be connected to either one of the other terminals. (from online electronics dictionary)
The function of a single pole single throw switch or SPST switch is to make or break a single set of contacts in an electrical circuit.
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.The difference between a double pole switch and a single pole switch is the use of the switch in the installation or equipment. A double pole switch is used when the voltage from two circuits has to be broken. An example of this is a 240 volt supply. A single pole switch is used where there is only a single supply voltage that has to be broken.
A single pole switch interrupts only one wire, which must be the live wire. A double pole switch interrupts both the live and the neutral, so it contains two separate switches operated by the same lever. Current practice is to use single-pole switches, to avoid a fault condition which could leave equipment live while switched off.
A single-pole switch is an on/off switch that switches a single wire such as the circuit to your overhead light. A double pole switch is also an on/off switch that switches two wires. You would use this to switch as 240 volt circuit (which requires two hot wires) or if you had two circuit you wanted to switch at the same time. I've used them when I had two large light circuits that required two breakers that I wanted to switch with one switch.
Single or double pole is usually a switch. 110 or 220 on a plug, 110 is usually a double outlet. 220 is usually or always a single outlet. Design of the outlet will vary depending on what is plugged into it. The slots can be 1 vertical and 1 horizontal. Both slots can be at an angle. If a regular 110 cord will not plug into an outlet, good chance it is a 220
No a 3-way is a single pole double throw. A four way switch swaps travelers.
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.The difference between a double pole switch and a single pole switch is the use of the switch in the installation or equipment. A double pole switch is used when the voltage from two circuits has to be broken. An example of this is a 240 volt supply. A single pole switch is used where there is only a single supply voltage that has to be broken.
A single pole switch interrupts only one wire, which must be the live wire. A double pole switch interrupts both the live and the neutral, so it contains two separate switches operated by the same lever. Current practice is to use single-pole switches, to avoid a fault condition which could leave equipment live while switched off.
A single pole switch controls a light or outlet at one location. A 3 way switch controls a light or outlet from 2 locations.
A single-pole switch is an on/off switch that switches a single wire such as the circuit to your overhead light. A double pole switch is also an on/off switch that switches two wires. You would use this to switch as 240 volt circuit (which requires two hot wires) or if you had two circuit you wanted to switch at the same time. I've used them when I had two large light circuits that required two breakers that I wanted to switch with one switch.
Single-pole, double-throw. The switch directs a single input to two possible outputs.
no difference whatsoever
A double pole single throw switch. used to switch two lines at the same time.
In electrical terminology it is known as a single pole double throw switch.
A switch is inserted in series with a single wire. When the switch is on, it is as if the wire had not been opened to insert the switch. When the switch is off the wire is open and no current can flow. All a double pole switch does is allows you to switch two separate wires at the same time with the same switch action. A single pole switch just switches one wire.
By using DPST(Double Pole Single Through) switch.
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For a single throw, double pole switch, each section is wired to the individual items to be controlled. For a double throw double pole (220) set up, both hot wires are run through the switch.