How to use a rocker switch with three or four terminals

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the functionality of three-terminal and four-terminal rocker switches. The three-terminal switch typically includes terminals for power, ground, and accessory (ACC), which is used to control a load such as a bulb in a simple circuit. Users should connect the positive battery terminal to power, the negative to ground, and the bulb to ground and accessory. For the four-terminal rocker switch, users are advised to measure resistance between terminals using an ohm-meter to understand the switch's continuity options.

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  • Understanding of basic electrical circuits
  • Familiarity with rocker switch configurations
  • Knowledge of using an ohm-meter for testing
  • Basic concepts of power, ground, and accessory connections
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  • Learn about different types of switches and their applications
  • Study circuit design for controlling loads with switches
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Electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists building simple circuits, and anyone looking to understand the operation of rocker switches in electrical applications.

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I've watched this youtube video : , and understood it only a little so i came here for help.

How does that three terminal rocker switch work. It says that the terminals are for power, ground and acc.(Is acc accessory which means load??) If for example, i want the switch to control a simple circuit consisting of just a battery and a bulb, should i connect the positive of the battery to the power and the negative to ground, then connect the bulb to the ground and accessory?? It would help if i could find an article showing how the switch works internally, but i just can't find anyFor the rocker switch with four terminals, I really have no idea, but this is how it looks like:
http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?q=r...184&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0,i:103
 
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iampaul said:
I've watched this youtube video : , and understood it only a little so i came here for help.

How does that three terminal rocker switch work. It says that the terminals are for power, ground and acc.(Is acc accessory which means load??) If for example, i want the switch to control a simple circuit consisting of just a battery and a bulb, should i connect the positive of the battery to the power and the negative to ground, then connect the bulb to the ground and accessory?? It would help if i could find an article showing how the switch works internally, but i just can't find any


For the rocker switch with four terminals, I really have no idea, but this is how it looks like:
http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?q=r...184&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0,i:103


When in doubt, just use an Ohm-meter to measure the resistance between the different terminals with the switch in each position. That should show you the continuity options that the switch offers.

I'm guessing they label the switch with Power, Ground and Accessory because it is a lighted switch? Maybe it turns on (lights) when you flip it to the On position, and also connects the Power input to the Accessory output...
 
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