subject: Different Types of Electrical Switches [print this page] Electronic switches are electrical switches that do not have mechanical contacts, but use semiconductor devices. These switches apply electrical control signals to terminals on the switch that opens and closes the contacts. Touch plate devices, soft-touch controls and motion detector switches are frequently electronic. Some electronic safety switches mounted on food processing equipment use radio frequencies, which will interrupt the power when a safety door is opened. Electronic switches are available in a vast range of configurations such as toggle, rocker, push button, rotary, slide, and reed and relay switches.
