Switch vs. Commutator — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
A switch controls the flow of electricity in circuits, turning it on or off, while a commutator redirects current direction in motors or generators.
Difference Between Switch and Commutator
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A switch is a simple device that interrupts or diverts the flow of electricity within a circuit, allowing users to control power to a device. On the other hand, a commutator is a more complex mechanical component used primarily in electric motors and electrical generators to reverse the direction of current flow.
In residential and commercial applications, switches are ubiquitous, found in everything from light fixtures to appliances, where they facilitate simple on/off operations. In contrast, commutators are integral to the function of rotating electrical machines, where they help in producing a steady, unidirectional torque.
Switches can be mechanical, such as toggle or push-button types, or electronic, such as transistors used in various circuits for fast switching. Whereas commutators are necessarily mechanical, consisting of a ring composed of multiple conductive segments but insulated from each other, rotating on the machine's shaft.
The functionality of switches is primarily to open or close an electrical circuit, thus stopping or allowing the flow of electricity. Commutators, however, have the specific role of periodically reversing current direction to maintain the rotational motion of the armature in motors.
Maintenance for switches generally involves simple replacement or cleaning. Commutators require more detailed maintenance like brush replacement, and cleaning and smoothing of the commutator surface to ensure efficient operation and longevity.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Controls electrical flow
Reverses current direction
Application
Residential and commercial
Electric motors and generators
Type
Mechanical or electronic
Mechanical
Operation
Opens or closes a circuit
Maintains rotation in motors
Maintenance
Replacement or cleaning
Brush replacement, surface upkeep
Compare with Definitions
Switch
A switching mechanism to control a device from a distant location.
The remote control acts as a switch for the television.
Commutator
A rotary electrical switch in certain motors and generators.
The commutator must be in good condition for the motor to operate smoothly.
Switch
A device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit.
Flip the switch to turn the lights on.
Commutator
Part of an assembly that works with brushes to convert AC to DC in motors.
Regularly clean the commutator to prevent electrical faults.
Switch
An electrical component that interrupts power flow by opening or closing a circuit.
Install a switch at every entrance for safety.
Commutator
A device that periodically reverses the current direction between the rotor and the external circuit.
A worn-out commutator can cause the engine to stutter.
Switch
A control feature in software to toggle between on and off states.
The app allows you to switch the mode with a simple tap.
Commutator
A component necessary for the continuous turning of motors.
Replace the brushes if they wear out to maintain the commutator.
Switch
A manual or automated device used to control different circuits.
Use the switch on the wall to activate the ceiling fan.
Commutator
Essential for the function of brush-type DC motors and generators.
The commutator redirects the current, enabling the motor's rotation.
Switch
In electrical engineering, a switch is an electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit, interrupting the electric current or diverting it from one conductor to another. The most common type of switch is an electromechanical device consisting of one or more sets of movable electrical contacts connected to external circuits.
Commutator
In mathematics, the commutator gives an indication of the extent to which a certain binary operation fails to be commutative. There are different definitions used in group theory and ring theory.
Switch
A device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit
The guard hit a switch and the gate swung open
Commutator
A cylindrical arrangement of insulated metal bars connected to the coils of a direct-current electric motor or generator, providing a unidirectional current from the generator or a reversal of current into the coils of the motor.
Switch
An act of changing to or adopting one thing in place of another
His friends were surprised at his switch from newspaper owner to farmer
Commutator
(Mathematics) In a commutative or noncommutative group, an element of the form ghg-1h-1 where g and h are elements of the group. If g and h commute, the commutator is the identity element.
Switch
A slender, flexible shoot cut from a tree.
Commutator
An electrical switch, in a generator or motor, that periodically reverses the direction of an electric current.
Switch
A set of points on a railway track.
Commutator
(group theory) A binary map in a given group G, given by [g, h] = ghg−1h−1, where g and h are elements of G, which yields the group's identity if and only if the group operation commutes for g and h.
Switch
A tress of false or detached hair tied at one end, used in hairdressing to supplement natural hair.
Commutator
(ring theory) A binary map in a given ring R, given by [a, b] = ab − ba, where a and b are elements of R, which yields the ring's zero element if and only if the multiplication operation commutes for a and b.
Switch
Change the position, direction, or focus of
The company switched the boats to other routes
Commutator
A piece of apparatus used for reversing the direction of an electrical current; an attachment to certain electrical machines, by means of which alternating currents are made to be continuous or to have the same direction. It may be attached to the end of the spindle of an electric motor, where a brush is in contact sequentially with the parts of the spindle that conduct current to the different windings of the motor.
Switch
Beat or flick with or as if with a switch.
Commutator
Switch for reversing the direction of an electric current
Switch
An exchange or a swap, especially one done secretly.
Switch
A transference or shift, as of opinion or attention.
Switch
A device used to break or open an electric circuit or to divert current from one conductor to another.
Switch
A device consisting of two sections of railroad track and accompanying apparatus used to transfer rolling stock from one track to another.
Switch
A slender flexible rod, stick, or twig, especially one used for whipping.
Switch
The bushy tip of the tail of certain animals
A cow's switch.
Switch
A thick strand of real or synthetic hair used as part of a coiffure.
Switch
A flailing or lashing, as with a slender rod
Gave the ox a switch.
Switch
To exchange
Asked her brother to switch seats with her.
Switch
To shift, transfer, or divert
Switched the conversation to a lighter subject.
Switch
To connect, disconnect, or divert (an electric current) by operating a switch.
Switch
To cause (an electric current or appliance) to begin or cease operation
Switched the lights on and off.
Switch
(Informal) To produce as if by operating a control. Often used with on
Switched on the charm.
Switch
To move (rolling stock) from one track to another; shunt.
Switch
To whip with a switch, especially in punishing a child.
Switch
To jerk or swish abruptly or sharply
A cat switching its tail.
Switch
To make or undergo a shift or an exchange
The office has switched to shorter summer hours.
Switch
To swish sharply from side to side.
Switch
A device to turn electric current on and off or direct its flow.
Switch
A change or exchange.
Switch
A movable section of railroad track which allows the train to be directed down one of two destination tracks; (set of) points.
Switch
A slender woody plant stem used as a whip; a thin, flexible rod, associated with corporal punishment in the United States.
Switch
(musical instruments) rute.
Switch
(computer science) A command line notation allowing specification of optional behavior.
Use the /b switch to specify black-and-white printing.
Switch
A programming construct that takes different actions depending on the value of an expression.
Switch
A networking device connecting multiple wires, allowing them to communicate simultaneously, when possible. Compare to the less efficient hub device that solely duplicates network packets to each wire.
Switch
(telecommunication) A system of specialized relays, computer hardware, or other equipment which allows the interconnection of a calling party's telephone line with any called party's line.
Switch
(genetics) A mechanism within DNA that activates or deactivates a gene.
Switch
(historical) A separate mass or tress of hair, or of some substance (such as jute) made to resemble hair, formerly worn on the head by women.
Switch
(card games) A variant of crazy eights where one card, such as an ace, reverses the direction of play.
Switch
(transitive) To exchange.
I want to switch this red dress for a green one.
Switch
(transitive) To change (something) to the specified state using a switch.
Switch the light on.
Switch
To whip or hit with a switch.
Switch
(intransitive) To change places, tasks, etc.
I want to switch to a different seat.
Switch
To get angry suddenly; to quickly or unreasonably become enraged.
Switch
To swing or whisk.
To switch a cane
Switch
To be swung or whisked.
The angry cat's tail switched back and forth.
Switch
To trim.
Switch
To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; generally with off, from, etc.
To switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another
Switch
(ecclesiastical) To shift to another circuit.
Switch
(snowboarding) Pertaining to riding with the front and back feet swapped round compared to one's normal position.
Switch
Pertaining to skiing backwards.
Switch
A small, flexible twig or rod.
Mauritania, on the fifth medal, leads a horse with something like a thread; in her other hand she holds a switch.
Switch
A movable part of a rail; or of opposite rails, for transferring cars from one track to another.
Switch
A separate mass or trees of hair, or of some substance (at jute) made to resemble hair, worn on the head by women.
Switch
A device for shifting an electric current to another circuit, or for making and breaking a circuit.
Switch
To strike with a switch or small flexible rod; to whip.
Switch
To swing or whisk; as, to switch a cane.
Switch
To trim, as, a hedge.
Switch
To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; - generally with off, from, etc.; as, to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another.
Switch
To shift to another circuit.
Switch
To walk with a jerk.
Switch
Control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit
Switch
Hairpiece consisting of a tress of false hair; used by women to give shape to a coiffure
Switch
Railroad track having two movable rails and necessary connections; used to turn a train from one track to another or to store rolling stock
Switch
A flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment
Switch
A basketball maneuver; two defensive players shift assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by the other
Switch
The act of changing one thing or position for another;
His switch on abortion cost him the election
Switch
Change over, change around, or switch over
Switch
Exchange or give (something) in exchange for
Switch
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Switch
Make a shift in or exchange of;
First Joe led; then we switched
Switch
Cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation;
Switch on the light
Throw the lever
Switch
Flog with or as if with a flexible rod
Switch
Reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)
Common Curiosities
How does a commutator function in a motor?
A commutator reverses the current direction in a motor, essential for continuous rotation.
What is a switch used for?
A switch is used to open or close an electrical circuit, controlling the flow of electricity.
Can switches be used in high-voltage applications?
Yes, certain types of switches are designed to handle high-voltage applications.
Are all switches electrical?
No, some switches can be mechanical or even software-based, used in various applications.
What maintenance does a commutator require?
Commutator maintenance typically involves cleaning, and the replacement of brushes and bearings.
What types of switches are most common in households?
Common types include toggle switches and push-button switches.
Why do motors need commutators?
Motors need commutators to convert AC to DC and to ensure the motor rotates properly.
How long do commutators last?
The lifespan of a commutator depends on usage, load, and maintenance but generally lasts for several years.
What is the role of insulation in a commutator?
Insulation between the commutator's segments prevents short circuits.
What are the signs of a failing commutator?
Signs include sparking, excessive noise, or a drop in motor performance.
What happens if a switch fails?
A failed switch can lead to a circuit being permanently open or closed, disrupting the flow of power.
Are there switches that do not require manual operation?
Yes, automatic switches operate based on different triggers like light, time, or temperature.
How do electronic switches differ from mechanical switches?
Electronic switches use semiconductors to control the flow of electricity without moving parts.
Can a damaged switch cause electrical hazards?
Yes, a damaged switch can increase the risk of electrical shocks or fires.
Can a commutator be repaired or must it be replaced?
Commutators can often be repaired unless they are severely damaged.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
