What is Mechanical Switch? – Limitations | New Note [2024]

In this note, we are going to learn about a topic called “What is Mechanical Switch?” and its limitations. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

What is Mechanical Switch?

A switch which is operated mechanically to turn ON or OFF current in an electrical circuit is known as a Mechanical Switch.

what is mechanical switch - poly notes hub

A common example of a mechanical switch is the tumbler switch, which is used in homes to turn on or off the power supply to various equipment such as fans, heaters, and lighting. The action of a mechanical switch may be wonderfully understood by referring to fig above, which shows a load RL linked in series with a battery and a mechanical switch S. No current flows through the circuit while the switch is open. When the switch is closed, current flow begins in the circuit. It is clear that all of the current passes through both the load and the switch. At the above also we shows that how mechanical switch looks.

Limitations of Mechanical Switch

Here are some disadvantages of mechanical switch –

  1. In the closed state, the switch carries the entire load current. For a significant load current, the switch contacts must be hefty enough to carry the required current without overheating. This increases the size of the switch.
  2. If the circuit’s load current is large, sparking will occur at the switch contacts during the breaking action. This causes wear and tear on the contacts.
  3. A mechanical switch’s inertia causes it to operate at a very slow speed.
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