Enhance your knowledge with our electrical switches’ objective questions and answers. Perfect for students, professionals, and enthusiasts.
Electrical Switches Objective Questions
What is the main purpose of an electrical switch?
a) To convert AC to DC
b) To control the flow of electricity
c) To convert DC to AC
d) To measure the current flow
Answer: b) To control the flow of electricity
Explanation: Electrical switches are used to interrupt the flow of electricity in a circuit, allowing us to control the power.
Which type of switch controls one or more lights from a single location?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Three-way switch
d) Four-way switch
Answer: a) Single-pole switch
Explanation: A single-pole switch controls a light or a set of lights from one location.
What type of switch allows you to control a light from two different locations?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Three-way switch
d) Four-way switch
Answer: c) Three-way switch
Explanation: A three-way switch allows you to control a light or a set of lights from two different locations.
Which type of switch has three terminals?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Three-way switch
d) Four-way switch
Answer: c) Three-way switch
Explanation: A three-way switch has three terminals – two “traveler” terminals and one “common” terminal.
A toggle switch operates through which mechanism?
a) Sliding
b) Pivoting
c) Rotating
d) Pushing
Answer: b) Pivoting
Explanation: A toggle switch operates through a pivoting mechanism where the lever is moved up or down to open or close the circuit.
Which type of switch is used to control heavy electrical loads?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Push-button switch
d) Toggle switch
Answer: b) Double-pole switch
Explanation: A double-pole switch can control higher voltage and is often used for heavy electrical loads.
A dimmer switch is used for what purpose?
a) To control the brightness of lights
b) To convert AC to DC
c) To convert DC to AC
d) To measure the current flow
Answer: a) To control the brightness of lights
Explanation: A dimmer switch is used to adjust the brightness of lights by altering the voltage waveform applied to the lamp.
What type of switch is a push-button switch?
a) Momentary
b) Latching
c) Either a or b
d) Neither a nor b
Answer: c) Either a or b
Explanation: A push-button switch can be either momentary (press and hold to activate, release to deactivate) or latching (press to change the state).
In electrical terminology, what does SPST stand for?
a) Single Pole Single Throw
b) Single Pole Short Throw
c) Short Pole Single Throw
d) Short Pole Short Throw
Answer: a) Single Pole Single Throw
Explanation: SPST stands for Single Pole Single Throw, which is a type of switch that controls one circuit with one on and off position.
Which type of switch is commonly used for bell circuits in homes?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Push-button switch
d) Dimmer switch
Answer: c) Push-button switch
Explanation: Push-button switches are commonly used for bell circuits in homes due to their momentary operation.
What is the difference between a single-pole and a double-pole switch?
a) Number of circuits they control
b) Number of locations they control
c) Number of terminals
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: A single-pole switch controls one circuit from one location and has two terminals, while a double-pole switch controls two circuits, can be used from multiple locations, and has four terminals.
How many terminals does a double-pole switch have?
a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five
Answer: c) Four
Explanation: A double-pole switch has four terminals – two for input and two for output.
Which type of switch can allow or prevent the flow of current in multiple devices simultaneously?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Three-way switch
d) Four-way switch
Answer: b) Double-pole switch
Explanation: A double-pole switch can control two separate circuits, allowing or preventing the flow of current in multiple devices at the same time.
How many switch positions does an SPST switch have?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
Answer: b) Two
Explanation: An SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) switch has two positions – on and off.
A light is being controlled from three different locations using two three-way switches and one four-way switch. If the light is currently off, which switch should be toggled to turn it on?
a) Any of them
b) The three-way switches only
c) The four-way switch only
d) It cannot be determined
Answer: a) Any of them
Explanation: In a multi-way switching setup with three-way and four-way switches, any switch can be toggled to change the state of the light.
Which type of switch uses air as the dielectric medium?
a) Air break switch
b) Oil switch
c) Vacuum switch
d) SF6 switch
Answer: a) Air break switch
Explanation: An air break switch uses air as the dielectric medium to interrupt the flow of current.
The rocker switch design is commonly used in which application?
a) Industrial machinery
b) Home appliances
c) Aircraft controls
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Rocker switches, named for their rocking operation, are versatile and used in various applications, including industrial machinery, home appliances, and aircraft controls.
In electrical terminology, what does DPDT stand for?
a) Double Pole Double Throw
b) Double Pole Direct Throw
c) Direct Pole Double Throw
d) Direct Pole Direct Throw
Answer: a) Double Pole Double Throw
Explanation: DPDT stands for Double Pole Double Throw, a type of switch that controls two circuits and has two on positions.
Which type of switch operates by physically moving a conductor to open or close a circuit?
a) Solid-state switch
b) Mechanical switch
c) Semiconductor switch
d) Transistor switch
Answer: b) Mechanical switch
Explanation: A mechanical switch operates by physically moving a conductor to open or close a circuit.
What type of switch is commonly used in test equipment because it can connect one input to multiple outputs?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Rotary switch
d) Dimmer switch
Answer: c) Rotary switch
Explanation: A rotary switch can connect one input to multiple outputs, making it ideal for use in test equipment.
What kind of switch is used to control the speed of a fan?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Rotary switch
d) Speed control switch
Answer: d) Speed control switch
Explanation: A speed control switch is used to control the speed of a fan by varying the voltage supplied to it.
Which type of switch is activated by a change in light level?
a) Photonic switch
b) Photocell switch
c) Photoelectric switch
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All these switches are types of light-sensitive switches that operate based on changes in light levels.
What type of switch is a reed switch?
a) Magnetic
b) Mechanical
c) Solid-state
d) Thermal
Answer: a) Magnetic
Explanation: A reed switch is a type of switch that operates through a magnetic mechanism.
In a circuit with multiple switches connected in parallel, how many switches need to be closed to complete the circuit?
a) All of them
b) Any one of them
c) At least half of them
d) Two-thirds of them
Answer: b) Any one of them
Explanation: In a parallel circuit, closing any one switch will complete the circuit and allow current to flow.
What type of switch is used in a stairway where you can control the light from either end of the stairs?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Three-way switch
d) Four-way switch
Answer: c) Three-way switch
Explanation: A three-way switch allows you to control a light or a set of lights from two different locations, like at either end of a stairway.
Which switch allows control from more than two locations?
a) Single-pole switch
b) Double-pole switch
c) Three-way switch
d) Four-way switch
Answer: d) Four-way switch
Explanation: A four-way switch, in combination with two three-way switches, allows control from more than two locations.
A switch that interrupts the current flow after a pre-set time is known as what?
a) Timer switch
b) Dimmer switch
c) Rotary switch
d) Push-button switch
Answer: a) Timer switch
Explanation: A timer switch automatically turns off the current after a specified amount of time.
Which type of switch can function without physical or mechanical contact?
a) Solid-state switch
b) Mechanical switch
c) Rotary switch
d) Toggle switch
Answer: a) Solid-state switch
Explanation: A solid-state switch operates without physical or mechanical contact. It uses semiconductors to open and close the circuit.
In electrical terminology, what does DPST stand for?
a) Direct Pole Single Throw
b) Double Pole Single Throw
c) Direct Pole Short Throw
d) Double Pole Short Throw
Answer: b) Double Pole Single Throw
Explanation: DPST stands for Double Pole Single Throw, a type of switch that controls two circuits from a single ON/OFF position.
What type of switch is commonly used for industrial control circuits?
a) Push-button switch
b) Toggle switch
c) Limit switch
d) Rotary switch
Answer: c) Limit switch
Explanation: A limit switch is commonly used in industrial control circuits. It is operated by the motion of a machine part or the presence of an object.
What type of switch is often used in modems and routers for factory settings reset?
a) Push-button switch
b) Toggle switch
c) Reset switch
d) Rotary switch
Answer: c) Reset switch
Explanation: A reset switch is often used in devices like modems and routers. When pressed, it resets the device to its factory settings.
Which type of switch is operated by a key?
a) Keylock switch
b) Toggle switch
c) Rotary switch
d) Push-button switch
Answer: a) Keylock switch
Explanation: A keylock switch is operated with a key, providing an added level of security and access control.
Which switch controls the operation of some ignition systems in automobiles?
a) Keylock switch
b) Ignition switch
c) Push-button switch
d) Toggle switch
Answer: b) Ignition switch
Explanation: The ignition switch controls the operation of some ignition systems in automobiles.
A type of switch that is sensitive to body heat is known as?
a) Heat switch
b) Pyroelectric switch
c) Infrared switch
d) Thermal switch
Answer: c) Infrared switch
Explanation: An infrared switch is sensitive to body heat. It can detect the infrared radiation emitted by a warm body and actuate the switch.
What is a mercury switch?
a) A switch that uses mercury as a dielectric medium
b) A switch that uses mercury to open or close a circuit
c) A switch sensitive to mercury level
d) A switch that operates under high temperatures
Answer: b) A switch that uses mercury to open or close a circuit
Explanation: A mercury switch is a type of switch that uses a small amount of mercury inside a sealed capsule to open or close a circuit.
What is the main advantage of solid-state switches over mechanical switches?
a) They have a larger size
b) They have a longer operational life
c) They require a high voltage to operate
d) They have a slower switching speed
Answer: b) They have a longer operational life
Explanation: Solid-state switches have a longer operational life than mechanical switches because they have no moving parts that can wear out.
What type of switch is used to detect the liquid level in a tank?
a) Float switch
b) Level switch
c) Both a and b
d) None of the above
Answer: c) Both a and b
Explanation: Both float switches and level switches are used to detect the level of liquid in a tank.
What type of switch is used to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current?
a) Circuit breaker
b) Relay
c) Fuse
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Circuit breakers, relays, and fuses are all types of protective switches that can interrupt the flow of electricity when the current exceeds a certain level.
What type of switch is commonly used in home automation systems?
a) Toggle switch
b) Push-button switch
c) Relay switch
d) Smart switch
Answer: d) Smart switch
Explanation: A smart switch is commonly used in home automation systems. It can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or other networked device.
Which switch allows the current to flow in only one direction?
a) Diode
b) Transistor
c) Resistor
d) Capacitor
Answer: a) Diode
Explanation: A diode is a switch that allows current to flow in only one direction. It is used in various applications, including power conversion and signal modulation.
In a 2-way switch wiring system, how many wires are typically needed?
a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five
Answer: b) Three
Explanation: A 2-way switch typically requires three wires: one common wire and two traveler wires.
What is the purpose of a ‘test’ button on a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet?
a) To test the power supply
b) To test the ground connection
c) To test the functionality of the GFCI
d) To test the connected devices
Answer: c) To test the functionality of the GFCI
Explanation: The ‘test’ button on a GFCI outlet is used to ensure that the GFCI is working properly and can respond to a ground fault.
What type of switch is often used in emergency stop safety circuits?
a) Push-button switch
b) Limit switch
c) E-stop switch
d) Toggle switch
Answer: c) E-stop switch
Explanation: An E-stop switch (Emergency Stop) is used in safety circuits to immediately shut down the system in case of an emergency.
What is the main function of a relay in an electrical circuit?
a) To amplify the electrical signal
b) To switch a larger current using a smaller one
c) To reduce electrical noise
d) To convert AC to DC
Answer: b) To switch a larger current using a smaller one
Explanation: A relay is used in an electrical circuit to switch a larger current using a smaller one. It provides isolation between control and load circuits.
What is the name of a switch that uses a solenoid to operate?
a) Solenoid switch
b) Relay
c) Magnetic switch
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All these switches use a solenoid to operate. They use the principle of electromagnetic induction to open or close the circuit.
What type of switch is typically used in burglar alarm systems?
a) Toggle switch
b) Reed switch
c) Rotary switch
d) Dip switch
Answer: b) Reed switch
Explanation: A reed switch is typically used in burglar alarm systems. When a magnetic field is brought near, the reeds inside the switch come together to close the circuit.
Which of the following is a disadvantage of mechanical switches?
a) They do not provide firm on/off states
b) They have a limited life span due to wear and tear
c) They require a high voltage to operate
d) They cannot handle large currents
Answer: b) They have a limited lifespan due to wear and tear
Explanation: Mechanical switches have moving parts that can wear out over time, limiting their lifespan.
Which type of switch is often used in data networks for routing data packets?
a) Network switch
b) Ethernet switch
c) Both a and b
d) None of the above
Answer: c) Both a and b
Explanation: Both network switches and Ethernet switches are used in data networks for routing data packets between devices.
What type of switch is used to detect the presence or absence of an object?
a) Proximity switch
b) Limit switch
c) Pressure switch
d) Toggle switch
Answer: a) Proximity switch
Explanation: A proximity switch is used to detect the presence or absence of an object without physical contact.
Which type of switch uses the Hall effect principle to switch currents?
a) Hall effect switch
b) Transistor switch
c) Diode switch
d) Relay switch
Answer: a) Hall effect switch
Explanation: A Hall effect switch uses the Hall effect, a phenomenon in which a voltage difference is created across an electrical conductor, transverse to an electric current in the conductor and a magnetic field perpendicular to the current.
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