Toggle switch

Toggle switch

A toggle switch is a class of electrical switches that are actuated by a mechanical lever, handle, or rocking mechanism.

Toggle switches are and will always be available in many different styles and sizes, and are used in countless applications. Many are designed to provide, e.g., the simultaneous actuation of multiple sets of electrical contacts, or the control of large amounts of electric current or mains voltages.

The word "toggle" is a reference to a kind of mechanism or joint consisting of two arms, which are almost in line with each other, connected with an elbow-like pivot. In the phrase "toggle switch" it specifically refers to one kind of mechanism that can be used to implement a positive "snap-action." However, the word "toggle switch" has come to mean any kind of switch with a short handle and a positive snap-action, whether it actually contains a toggle mechanism or not.In electronics, the word "toggle" has come to mean circuits that embody an electronic analog of a mechanical snap-action. That is, bistable switching circuits are sometimes called "toggles." In particular, the word can be used for a toggle flip-flop, a circuit in which an impulse causes a transition from whichever state it is in to the alternate state. By further extension, in software, the act of switching from one to the other of two states can be called "toggling", as in "He toggled the switch, and the computer's lights blinked".

When used in programs, the term "toggle" is used to indicate turning a feature on, or off, typically by pressing one key to turn the feature on, and then pressing the same key again, to turn the feature off.


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Toggle switch — Tog gle switch , n. 1. (Elec.) an electrical switch operated by pushing a lever through a small angle of deflection. The lever has a spring which returns it to its original position after the pressure applied by the operator is released. [PJC] 2 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • toggle switch — toggle ,switch noun count a switch used for turning an electricity supply on or off …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • toggle switch — ► NOUN ▪ an electric switch operated by means of a projecting lever that is moved up and down …   English terms dictionary

  • toggle switch — n. a switch consisting of a projecting lever moved back and forth through a small arc to open and close an electric circuit …   English World dictionary

  • toggle switch — n technical a small part on a machine that is used to turn electricity on and off by moving it up or down …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • toggle switch — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms toggle switch : singular toggle switch plural toggle switches a switch used for turning an electricity supply on or off …   English dictionary

  • toggle switch — dviejų padėčių jungiklis statusas T sritis automatika atitikmenys: angl. on off switch; toggle switch vok. Ein Aus Schalter, m; Kipphebelschalter, m rus. выключатель на два положения, m; перекидной переключатель, m pranc. interrupteur à deux… …   Automatikos terminų žodynas

  • toggle switch — permetamasis jungiklis statusas T sritis radioelektronika atitikmenys: angl. toggle switch vok. Kipphebelumschalter, m rus. перекидной переключатель, m; тумблер, m pranc. interrupteur à bascule, m …   Radioelektronikos terminų žodynas

  • toggle switch — noun a hinged switch that can assume either of two positions • Syn: ↑toggle, ↑on off switch, ↑on/off switch • Derivationally related forms: ↑toggle (for: ↑toggle) • …   Useful english dictionary

  • toggle switch — noun 1》 an electric switch operated by means of a projecting lever that is moved up and down. 2》 Computing another term for toggle …   English new terms dictionary

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