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Double Throw Relay – Working, Circuit Diagram, and Usage

Relays are essential to control devices that we can interface with Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards for control. They’re beneficial as they eliminate the use of high-amperage control circuits in electronic systems.  And if you have a project involving electromechanical or electrical control circuits, you surely need a double throw relay. But as there are a lot of relays, finding your best one can be a bit challenging. Fortunately, we’ve got professionals willing to guide you through your control project. But first, read on for more about a double throw relay. 

Pole and Throw

electronic relay on a white background. Device for closing and opening an electrical circuit. Microelectronics science.

Fig 1: An electronic relay

A pole is the number of circuits controlled by the relay. On the other hand, a throw refers to the extreme location of the actuator. In other words, a throw is the number of connections each relay pole can have. 

For example, a single pole switch controls a single electrical circuit, whereas a double pole switch controls two independent courses. Conversely, a single-throw switch closes a circuit in one position, whereas a double-throw controls in two positions. 

Now let’s define the following terms.

Single Pole Single Throw

An SPST switch has one input terminal and connects to one output terminal, either ON or OFF. This switch has four terminals when you include the two for the coil.

Single Pole Double Throw

An SPDT switch has three terminals and connects to one of the two output terminals. This switch has five terminals when you include the two for the coil.

 Double Pole Single Throw

A DPST is a switch with four different terminals or two SPST switches actuated in unison. This switch has six terminals when you include the two for the coil.

Double Pole Double Throw

A DPDT switch has two rows of change-over terminals equivalent to two SPDT switches. This switch has eight terminals when you include the two for the coil. 

Single Pole Double Throw

Features

  • SPDT Relay
  • High Switching Current
  • Normally closed relay 

Schematic

 A Single Pole Double Throw relay diagram

Fig 2: A Single Pole Double Throw relay diagram

How does the Single Pole Double Throw relay work?

An SPDT relay internal configuration has one control input terminal that controls two outputs. Therefore, it has five terminals; two relay contacts, one for the pole, and two for the throw. 

To understand more, let’s refer to the first output terminal as output 1 and the second as output 2. In a normal position, let’s say OFF, one output is connected while the other is disconnected. When you energize the relay (provide coil voltage), the power flow in its circuit causes the connected terminal to disconnect. 

The result is that the input terminal connects to the other output terminal energizing the circuit. When the relay coil is not energized, one terminal is Normally Closed (NC) while the other is Normally Open (NO). 

Usage

With Arduino

For use with Arduino, you’ll need a Grove-SPDT 30A relay module that’s a Normally Open switch. You can control higher current devices such as parking lights, fans, etc. 

With Raspberry Pi

  • For this setup, you’ll need a Raspberry Pi and Grovepi or Grovepi+.
  • Also, you need to have completed configuring the development environment. 
  • Thirdly, use a grove cable to connect the sensor to the Grovepi socket D4. 
  • Fourth, go through the demo’s directory: cd your path/GrovePi/Software/Python/
  • And, to see the code: nano grove_spdt_relay.py # “Ctrl+x” to exit # 
  • And run the demo: Sudo python grove_spdt_relay.py

Double Pole Double Throw

DPDT Circuit Diagram

A Double Pole Double Throw symbol 

Fig 3: A Double Pole Double Throw symbol 

How Does it Work?

A DPDT relay has four outputs corresponding to two inputs. Furthermore, both inputs are isolated from each other, as are both output pairs. Each input terminal connects to a Normally Closed terminal (1.1), whereas the other terminal (1.2) is Normally Open. 

Similarly, the second input terminal connects to a Normally Closed terminal (2.1). Additionally, the other terminal (1.2) is Normally Open. 

Usage

Change Motor Direction With the DPDT Relay

Changing motor direction with DPDT relay
Changing motor direction with DPDT relay

Fig 4: Changing motor direction with DPDT relay

As you can see from schematic 1, the power source has its positive (T1) and negative (T2) terminals. With the power OFF, T1 is connected to contacts 1 (and 4) and T2 to terminals 2 (and 3). 

In this state, the motor is running in a clockwise direction. Powering the relay ON connects T1 to terminals 2 (and 3). It also connects T2 to terminals 4 (and 1). In this state, the motor runs anticlockwise.

Switch Between 2 Different Loads with a DPDT Switch

Switching between two different loads with a DPDT switch
Switching between two different loads with a DPDT switch

Fig 5: Switching between two different loads with a DPDT switch

Instead of ON/OFF, we can use the same circuit to power two different loads. In our case, we can opt to turn ON either the motor or fan, but not both. 

When the relay coil is unenergized, the fan is ON, and the green LED is ON. Conversely, when the relay is energized, the red LED is ON, and so is the motor.

Conclusion

Unlike other control circuits and devices, the relay is simple to implement, cheap to buy, durable, and reliable. You can use it for small remote switching or even high-power control circuits. 

But first, you need to know its rating and whether it’s compatible with your circuitry. Finally, contact us if you need more clarification on relays and related circuits.

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Emma Lu
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