what is dpst switch

SgtWookie

Joined Jul 17, 2007
22,230
Double pole, single throw.
A crude ASCII schematic for such a switch:

o__/ __o

o__/ __o

When the switch is in the "off" position, no contact is made.
When the switch is in the "on" position, there are two separate contacts that close.
 

RiJoRI

Joined Aug 15, 2007
536
"Pole" refers to the number of pairs of contacts there are on the switch: Single Pole is one pair, Double Pole is two pairs. Sometimes you will see Triple Pole; three pairs.
"Throw" refers to the number of switch contacts for any given Pole pair in the switch. Single Throw is one set, Double Throw is two sets. I do not remember seeing "Triple Throw" switches, although some may use that to refer to Double Throw, Center OFF switches.

--Rich
 
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