One Way Plug Key: Definition & Uses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and functionality of a "one way plug key," including its applications and characteristics in electrical circuits. Participants explore its use in educational settings, its design, and how it operates within circuits, while also addressing related concepts such as battery connections and circuit configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the definition and function of a one way plug key, noting a lack of information in textbooks and online resources.
  • One participant suggests that the device functions similarly to a switch, while others question its practical applications outside of classrooms.
  • There is a discussion about the presence of positive and negative terminals, with some participants asserting that switches do not have these terminals, while others provide examples of battery disconnect switches.
  • Participants inquire about the operational mechanics of the plug key, specifically how it makes or breaks electrical circuits, and seek clarification on current flow based on the key's position.
  • Some participants speculate on the possibility of the plug key being a DPDT switch and discuss its implications for circuit configuration.
  • There are requests for images to illustrate conditions under which current flows or does not flow in the circuit.
  • One participant mentions the importance of using a multimeter to understand the connections and functionality of the plug key.
  • There is a side discussion about the meter bridge experiment and its relation to resistance in series and parallel.
  • Participants also discuss gaps in a two way plug key, with some confusion about what constitutes a gap versus a mounting hole.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition and functionality of the one way plug key, with multiple competing views and ongoing questions about its characteristics and applications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the specific terminology and functionality of the plug key, and there are unresolved questions about the implications of its design on circuit behavior.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students learning about basic electronics, educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electrical circuits, and hobbyists exploring practical applications of switches and circuit components.

  • #31
No. They are binding posts for connecting your wires to the switch terminals.

The gaps are the spaces between the metal blocks. The gaps prevent current flowing from block to block unless a key plug is inserted to bridge the gap.
 
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  • #32
What are metal blocks in 2 way plug key?
 
  • #33
upload_2015-2-10_22-9-38.png
 
  • #34
Are my 33rd and 27th posts correct?
 
  • #35
gracy said:
Are my 33rd and 27th posts correct?
Yes.
 
  • #36
In my practical we are told to connect these gaps ,how can we connect gaps?
 
  • #37
gracy said:
In my practical we are told to connect these gaps ,how can we connect gaps?
See post #22.

Edit: Sorry, I meant post number 31.
 
Last edited:
  • #38
(wheatstone)?Gaps are connected like wheatstone bridge?
 
  • #39
gracy said:
(wheatstone)?Gaps are connected like wheatstone bridge?
The Wheatstone reference was due to the schematic symbol in question on the tiny, fuzzy image reminding me of a typical Wheatstone bridge setup.

I now realize that it's meant to represent a switching arrangement comprised of your Plug Key Switches (PKS's). So forget the Wheatstone.

Apparently you're meant to use the provided PKS's in the wiring up of your lab circuit. You'll have to figure out the wiring arrangement that makes the plug key switches accomplish the required reversal of the polarity of one of the cells.
 
  • #40
gneill said:
Apparently you're meant to use the provided PKS's in the wiring up of your lab circuit. You'll have to figure out the wiring arrangement that makes the plug key switches accomplish the required reversal of the polarity of one of the cells.
Is this answer of my 36th post?
 
  • #41
gracy said:
Is this answer of my 36th post?
Your 36th post asked how to connect the gaps. That's easy: insert a plug key into the gap.

My previous response was to your question:

(wheatstone)?Gaps are connected like wheatstone bridge?
 

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