Poles are the number of completely separate circuits that can be active through a switch at any time. A single pole (SP) switch opens, closes or changes connections in a single conductor of an electrical circuit. A two-pole or double pole (DP) switch is often used to open, close, or change connections in both conductors of the same circuit, or in two separate circuits.

Single Throw / Double Throw

The throw of a switch is the number of circuit paths that can be controlled by any one pole. Usually the number of "ON" positions that a switch has is the same as the number of throws. A single throw switch (ST) opens or closes a circuit at only one of the extreme positions of its actuator, the most common example being an ON-NONE-OFF switch. A double throw switch (DT) switch opens or closes a circuit at both extreme positions of its actuator, a common example being an ON-NONE-ON switch.

Carling Technologies uses the standard abbreviations below when referencing a switch's configuration of poles and throws:

  • SPST: single pole, single throw
  • SPDT: single pole, double throw
  • DPST: double pole, single throw
  • DPDT: double pole, double throw

Available Pole Offerings

Carling Technologies offers switches from one to four poles.

Single pole offerings include the following switch product series:

  • Rocker Switches- Contura II & III, Contura IV & V, Contura X & XI, Contura XII, J, L, R, RSC, 611/621, 610/620, 622/632, 651/652, T, LTA, TG/LTG, TLG, TIL, LTIL
  • Toggle Switches - LT, F, C, D, 110/216, DK/EK, MAAOA/215
  • Push Button Switches- PP, P, 16-3P, 170/172, P26, P27, 110/316P, 641
  • Rotary Switches- R135, 700, 800

Double Pole offerings include the following switch product series:

  • Rocker Switches- Contura II & III, Contura IV &V, Contura X & XI, Contura XII, J, L, RGSC, LRGSC, 611/621, 610/620, 622/632, TG/LTG, TIG, LTIG, TTG
  • Toggle Switches - LT, G, 110/216, DK/EK
  • Push Button Switches- 110/316-P, 641

Three-Pole offerings include the following switch product series:

  • Rocker Switches- TIH, LTIH
  • Toggle Switches - H

Four-Pole offerings include the following switch product series:

  • Rocker Switches- TII
  • Toggle Switches - I