Normally open switch & Normally closed switch.

In summary: For an NC switch, if the button is pressed (not open anymore) and then the button is released, is the switch still in the "not open" state or does it go back to the open state?If the button is released and the switch is in the not open state, then the switch will stay in the not open state. If the button is pressed and the switch is in the open state, then the switch will go back to the open state.
  • #1
pyroknife
613
3
This is not really a homework question. Just a question regarding the normally open (NO) and normally closed switches.

For an NO switch, if the button is pressed (not open anymore) and then the button is released, is the switch still in the "not open" state or does it go back to the open state?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
pyroknife said:
This is not really a homework question. Just a question regarding the normally open (NO) and normally closed switches.

For an NO switch, if the button is pressed (not open anymore) and then the button is released, is the switch still in the "not open" state or does it go back to the open state?

Usually a Normally Open switch has contacts that connect only as long as the switch is operated (think of a doorbell button being pressed to ring a buzzer; spring action breaks the contact as soon as finger pressure is released).
 
  • #3
pyroknife said:
For an NO switch, if the button is pressed (not open anymore) and then the button is released, is the switch still in the "not open" state or does it go back to the open state?

I don't believe "an NO switch" is a sufficient description to answer the question.

I'd say it depends if the push button switch is a "latching" or "non-latching/momentary" type...

Non-Latching/momentary: Switch is closed only while the button is pressed. So when you release it the switch returns to the open condition.

Latching: Switch is open when the button is in the "out" position. When pressed the button moves to the "in" position and the switch is closed. When released the button stays depressed and the switch stays closed. When pressed again the button comes out and the switch opens.

The above describes a NO type but either can be NC or both (eg they have both NO and NC terminals).
 

What is a normally open switch?

A normally open switch is a type of switch that is in an open state when it is not activated. This means that there is no electrical connection between the two terminals of the switch, and no current can flow through it.

What is a normally closed switch?

A normally closed switch is a type of switch that is in a closed state when it is not activated. This means that there is an electrical connection between the two terminals of the switch, and current can flow through it.

What is the difference between a normally open and normally closed switch?

The main difference between a normally open and normally closed switch is the state they are in when not activated. A normally open switch is open and does not allow current to flow, while a normally closed switch is closed and allows current to flow.

When would you use a normally open switch?

A normally open switch is commonly used in applications where the circuit needs to be open by default and closed when activated. This can include light switches, doorbells, and push button switches.

When would you use a normally closed switch?

A normally closed switch is commonly used in applications where the circuit needs to be closed by default and open when activated. This can include safety switches, alarm systems, and emergency stop buttons.

Similar threads

  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
7
Views
837
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
951
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
12
Views
705
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
532
Back
Top