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In this note, we discuss about the Classification of Electrical Accessories. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for Diploma Engineering Notes or Polytechnic Notes.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Electrical accessories can be classified into several categories based on their functions. Here’s a classification based on the categories you mentioned:

Controlling Accessories

Switches: These control the flow of electrical current in a circuit. Examples include toggle switches, rocker switches, and dimmer switches.

Dimmer Switches: Used to adjust the intensity of lighting fixtures.
Timers: Enable automated control of electrical devices at specific times.
Thermostats: Control heating or cooling systems.

Holding Accessories:

Clamps: Used to hold and secure cables and wires in place.
Cable Ties: Plastic or metal ties used for bundling and securing cables.
Cable Clips: Hold cables along walls or surfaces.

Conduit and Conduit Fittings: Protective tubes that hold and protect wires.

Safety Accessories:

Circuit Breakers: Protect circuits from overloads and short circuits.
Fuses: Safeguard against excessive current by breaking the circuit.

Surge Protectors: Protect devices from voltage spikes.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI): Detect ground faults and prevent electrical shocks.

Outlet Accessories:

Electrical Outlets: Provide access to electrical power for devices.

Power Strips: Multiple outlets in one unit for convenience.
Outlet Covers: Enhance safety by covering unused outlets.
Plug Adapters: Enable compatibility between different plug types.

These categories cover a wide range of electrical accessories used for controlling, holding, ensuring safety, and providing power outlets in electrical systems.

Classification of Electrical Accessories

If we talk about the Classification of Electrical Accessories then there different kind of Electrical Accessories we have. But in this module we are only discuss about Switches, Holders, Socket Outlets and Plugs.

Switches

Switches can be categorized based on both their construction and their working configuration. Here’s a breakdown of switch types according to construction and working configuration:

Types of Switches According to Construction

Surface Switch: These switches are installed on the surface of walls or panels. They are easy to install but may not be as aesthetically pleasing as flush-mounted switches.
Flush Switch: Flush switches are installed so that they are level with the wall or panel, providing a clean and seamless appearance. They are often used in modern interior design.
Pull Switch: Pull switches are activated by pulling a cord or chain. They are commonly used for controlling ceiling fans or bathroom light fixtures.

Rotary Switch: Rotary switches use a rotating knob or dial to control various settings or functions. They are often found on appliances and electronic devices.
Knife Switch: Knife switches have a lever-like blade that makes or breaks the electrical connection when moved. They are often used in older electrical systems or educational demonstrations.
Pendant Switch: Pendant switches are typically used in industrial or workshop settings. They are suspended from the ceiling and can be pulled or pushed to control machinery or lighting.

Main Switch (ICDP, ICTP): Main switches are used as the primary disconnecting means for electrical installations. ICDP (Isolator with Circuit Disconnecting Position) and ICTP (Isolator with Circuit Test Position) are specific types of main switches used for circuit isolation and testing.

Types of Switches According to Working Configuration:

Single Pole Switch: A single-pole switch controls a single circuit and has only one set of contacts.
Double Pole Switch: Double-pole switches have two sets of contacts and can control two separate circuits simultaneously.

Two-Way Switch: Two-way switches are used in lighting circuits and have two switch positions, allowing control from two different locations.
Two-Way Centre Off Switch: These switches have a central “off” position and two “on” positions, commonly used in situations where you want to control a device from two locations with an “off” option in the middle.
Intermediate Switch: Intermediate switches are used in three-way lighting circuits (where you can control a light from three different locations) and have more than two switch positions.

Series Parallel Switch: These switches are used to change the connection configuration of electrical components from series to parallel or vice versa, altering the circuit’s behavior.

These are some common types of switches based on construction and working configuration. The choice of switch type depends on the specific application and requirements of the electrical or electronic circuit you are designing or working with.

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Holders

Here are some common types of lamp holders:

Bayonet Cap Lamp Holder: This type of holder is designed to fit bulbs with a bayonet cap base, often used in many household lamps.
Pendant Holder: Pendant lamp holders are typically used for hanging lamps from the ceiling. They come in various designs and can be quite decorative.
Batten Lamp Holder: Batten holders are often used for fluorescent tube lights. They are designed to hold and connect tube lights securely.

Angle Holder: Angle holders are adjustable and allow you to direct the light at different angles. They are commonly used for spotlights and task lighting.
Bracket Holder: Bracket holders are designed to be mounted on a wall or other flat surfaces. They are suitable for wall-mounted fixtures.
Tube Light Holder: These holders are specifically designed to hold fluorescent tube lights securely. They come in various sizes to match different tube diameters.

Screw-Type Edison Lamp Holder: This is the standard lamp holder for screw-type bulbs like Edison bulbs. It’s commonly used in table lamps and ceiling fixtures.
Goliath Edison Lamp Holder: Goliath Edison lamp holders are larger versions of the standard Edison holders, often used for vintage or decorative bulbs.
Swivel Lamp Holder: Swivel holders can be adjusted and rotated to direct light in various directions. They are useful for track lighting and adjustable fixtures.

Each type of holder serves a specific purpose and is compatible with different types of bulbs and fixtures. Choosing the right lamp holder is important to ensure safety and proper functioning of your lighting setup.

Socket Outlets and Plugs

Socket outlets and plugs come in various configurations, including two-pin, three-pin, and multi-pin options. These configurations determine the number of electrical contacts and their functions. Here’s a brief overview:

Two-Pin Socket Outlet and Plug

These are commonly used for basic electrical devices like lamps and chargers.

They typically have two pins, one for the live (hot) wire and one for the neutral wire.
They don’t provide a ground connection for safety.

Three-Pin Socket Outlet and Plug

These are more common and safer than two-pin versions.

They have three pins: live (hot), neutral, and a ground pin for safety purposes.
The ground pin helps protect against electrical faults by providing a path for excess current to safely dissipate.

Multi-Pin Socket Outlet

Multi-pin socket outlets can have various configurations, often for specialized purposes.

They may include additional pins for specific functions like data transfer, audio/video connections, or power supply for appliances with unique requirements.

Adapters and Converters

Adapters and converters allow you to use plugs with different pin configurations in various socket outlets. For example, a two-pin to three-pin adapter allows you to plug a two-pin device into a three-pin outlet.

It’s important to use the right plug and socket configuration for your devices to ensure safety and compatibility with your electrical system. Always follow local electrical codes and safety guidelines when dealing with electrical connections.

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