3 Pin Toggle Switch Wiring Diagram

A toggle switch is a type of electrical switch that is commonly used to control electrical circuits. It is a mechanical device that uses a lever to make or break an electrical circuit. The switch has three pins, which are used to connect it to the electrical circuit. In this article, we will discuss the wiring diagram for a 3 pin toggle switch.

What is a 3 Pin Toggle Switch?

A 3 pin toggle switch is a type of switch that has three pins. It is used to control electrical circuits and is commonly used in automotive, marine, and industrial applications. The switch is composed of a lever and three pins, which are used to connect it to the electrical circuit. The 3 pin toggle switch is capable of handling low voltage and low current applications.

How Does a 3 Pin Toggle Switch Work?

When the lever of the 3 pin toggle switch is in the ON position, the circuit is closed and current flows through the switch. When the lever is in the OFF position, the circuit is open and current does not flow through the switch. The switch is able to make or break the circuit by moving the lever from the ON position to the OFF position or vice versa.

Wiring Diagram for a 3 Pin Toggle Switch

The wiring diagram for a 3 pin toggle switch is as follows:

Pin Function
1 Common
2 Normally Open
3 Normally Closed

The pinout of the switch is as follows:

  • Pin 1 is the common pin. This pin is connected to either the power source or the load, depending on the position of the switch.
  • Pin 2 is the normally open pin. This pin is connected to the load when the switch is in the ON position.
  • Pin 3 is the normally closed pin. This pin is connected to the load when the switch is in the OFF position.

How to Wire a 3 Pin Toggle Switch

Wiring a 3 pin toggle switch is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

  1. Identify the pins of the switch. The pins are usually labeled as common, normally open, and normally closed.
  2. Connect a wire to the common pin. This wire can be connected to either the power source or the load, depending on the position of the switch.
  3. Connect another wire to the normally open pin. This wire should be connected to the load when the switch is in the ON position.
  4. Connect a third wire to the normally closed pin. This wire should be connected to the load when the switch is in the OFF position.
  5. Connect the other ends of the wires to their respective components in the circuit.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a toggle switch?

A toggle switch is used to control electrical circuits. It is a mechanical device that makes or breaks the circuit by moving a lever from the ON position to the OFF position or vice versa.

What are the types of toggle switches?

There are several types of toggle switches, including single pole single throw (SPST), single pole double throw (SPDT), and double pole double throw (DPDT) switches.

What are the applications of a 3 pin toggle switch?

A 3 pin toggle switch can be used in automotive, marine, and industrial applications. It is capable of handling low voltage and low current applications.

How do you know which pin is which on a toggle switch?

The pins of a toggle switch are usually labeled as common, normally open, and normally closed. Refer to the datasheet or manufacturer’s instructions to identify the pins of the switch.

Can a toggle switch be used as a dimmer switch?

No, a toggle switch cannot be used as a dimmer switch. A dimmer switch is designed to control the brightness of a light and requires a different type of switch.