Electronic Circuits and Tutorials
Electronics Component - Switches Tutorial

Switch Ways and Poles

In electronics, a way is a number of switch positions. A pole is the number of switches moved together.

Switch Ways and Poles Diagram

Switch Ways and Poles Diagram

Sometimes this is written in a kind of shorthand. Here's an example of the four types you're most likely to meet.

SPST Single Pole, Single Throw
SPDT Single Pole, Double Throw
DPST Double Pole, Single Throw
DPDT Double Pole, Double Throw

These are the only widely used shorthand abbreviations, as these are the most widely used switches.
