The other position of the handle is off. Adding another pole to the spdt creates a double pole double throw dpdt switch.
Spst Spdt Dpst And Dpdt Explained Littelfuse
What is a dpdt switch. Throw refers to the extreme position of the actuator. Basically two spdt switches which can control two separate circuits but are always switched together by a single actuator. With 2 inputs it can connect to 4 different outputs. On the other hand dpdt is basically two spdts together on the same switch. A dpdt switch usually has two on on or three on off on positions. This makes the the double pole double switch a very versatile switch.
A double pole single throw dpst switch is a switch that has 2 inputs and 2 outputs. Each of the terminals of a double pole double switch can either be in 1 of 2 positions. St switches close a circuit at only one position. Each of the terminals of a double pole single switch can either be in the on position closed or in the off position open. This makes the the double pole double throw switch a very versatile switch. A double pole double throw dpdt switch is a switch that has 2 inputs and 4 outputs.
The dpst switch for example has four terminals but it is a dp not a 4p switch. Each input has 1 corresponding output. Each of the terminals of a double pole double switch can either be in 1 of 2 positions. Each input has 2 corresponding outputs that it can connect to. The pair of spdt switches operates together with four circuits with two independent circuit systems. Do not confuse pole with terminal.
A double pole double throw dpdt switch is a switch that has 2 inputs and 4 outputs. It is a dual on on kind of switch derived from the characteristics of spdt. A dpdt double pole double throw switch allows two completely separate circuits to be controlled by just one switch. Dp switches control two independent circuits and act like two identical switches that are mechanically linked. They can be used as onoff or onon switches. Each input has 2 corresponding outputs that it can connect to.
Dpdts should have six terminals. Dpdt on on pushbutton switches are available at mouser electronics. A special switch that you just cant find at your local hardware store. There are many situations on a model railway layout where a dpdt switch can be useful. Used to switch 120v to two different appliances that could not be run simultaneously. Mouser offers inventory pricing datasheets for dpdt on on pushbutton switches.