What does a DPDT switch do?

A Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch is a versatile electrical component that can be used to control the flow of electricity in various circuits. Its primary function is to allow the user to switch between two different circuits or conductors. This means that with one actuator, the switch can change the path of electrical current, effectively diversifying it from one conductor to another.

The DPDT switch has two distinct poles, allowing it to control two separate circuits simultaneously. Each pole has two output options, which enables the switch to connect one input to two different outputs or vice versa. This capability makes it particularly useful in applications where it’s necessary to toggle between different sources of power or to change the direction of current flow in motors.

Understanding the functionality of these switches is crucial, as they do not serve the purposes of controlling lighting circuits exclusively, acting as a fuse, or measuring voltage. These functionalities require different components and mechanisms. The ability of a DPDT switch to route current efficiently and flexibly is what sets it apart in electrical engineering applications.