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How to Hook Up a Three Prong Switch to a Circuit Board

Switches are used to turn the current flow on and off in circuits. Without them, devices such as televisions and lights would always remain on. The most common switch is SPST, which stands for single-pole, single-throw. This means the switch has one off and one on position. Certain switches have three prongs, instead of two. To hook up a three-prong switch to a circuit board, connect one of its wires to the battery̵7;s positive terminal, and connect its other one to ground. The middle wire must be connected to the load̵7;s input. Practice with a toggle switch, buzzer, and breadboard.

Things You'll Need

Toggle switch
Buzzer
9V battery
Battery holder
Breadboard
Jumper wire

Instructions

- 1
  Select a column or row on the breadboard that will be the voltage source, which means it will be connected to the battery̵7;s positive terminal. Choose another row or column that will be the ground, which means it will be connected to the battery̵7;s negative terminal.
- 2
  Insert the buzzer into the breadboard. Each of its pins must be placed into separate columns. Insert a jumper wire into the same column as the buzzer̵7;s negative lead, and insert the other end of the wire into the ground row or column.
- 3
  Place the switch to the off position. Insert one of its end wires into the voltage source row. Place its middle wire into the same column as the positive side of the buzzer. Attach the switch̵7;s remaining end wire to ground.
- 4
  Connect the battery and battery holder. Attach the holder̵7;s red wire to the voltage source, and its black wire to ground.
- 5
  Move the toggle switch to the on position, and the buzzer will sound. Turn the switch back to the off position and the buzzer will shut off.

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