What are switches?
In short,
Switches refer to 'electrical components that turn electrical circuits ON and OFF.'
![ON ON](http://ac-blog.panasonic.com/hubfs/blogimg/beginner/switch/switch/kiso_01_01_Img_02.jpg)
![OFF OFF](http://ac-blog.panasonic.com/hubfs/blogimg/beginner/switch/switch/kiso_01_01_Img_03.jpg)
Types of Switches
Switches are broadly divided into two types.
Operation Switches
Switches used to turn circuits ON and OFF manually
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Detection Switches
Switches used to turn circuits ON and OFF using an object
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(Example)
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(Example)
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Basic Contact (Circuit) Arrangement
![kiso_01_03_Img_03_en](https://ac-blog.panasonic.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kiso_01_03_Img_03_en.png?width=600&name=kiso_01_03_Img_03_en.png)
Form A contacts
(normally open contacts):
N.O. (Normally Open) contacts
Contacts that normally open (OFF state) and
close (turn ON) the circuit when actuated
![kiso_01_03_Img_06_en](https://ac-blog.panasonic.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kiso_01_03_Img_06_en.png?width=600&name=kiso_01_03_Img_06_en.png)
Form B contacts
(normally closed contacts):
N.C. (Normally Closed) contacts
Contacts that normally close (ON state)
and open (turn OFF) the circuit when actuated
![kiso_01_03_Img_09_en](https://ac-blog.panasonic.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kiso_01_03_Img_09_en.png?width=600&name=kiso_01_03_Img_09_en.png)
Form C contacts
(transfer contacts):
Transfer contacts (a combination of Form 1A
and Form 1B contacts)
Transfer contacts with both Form A and
Form B contact functions