Stupidest Question Ever....

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elfman222 said:
I know this is the stupidest question ever, but on switches that have 3 leads, what is the 3rd for? which is which?

thanks.



An example:
 

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To get technical, a switch with 3 connectors is called "dual throw". With this type of switch, the centre connector is connected to either of the other two, depending on where the switch is set. There may also be a center "off" position, where the center connector is not connected to either one. This switch may be referred to as "SPDT" (Single Pole, Dual Throw).

A switch can also have more than one "pole". Think of it as two (or more) separate switches internally that are all activated by the same rocker/lever. Such a switch may be called DPDT (Dual Pole, Dual Throw) and in this case has 6 connections.
 
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