Lülitite

Lülitite, the Estonian term for electrical switches, are devices that make or break an electrical circuit to control power delivery to a load. They are used in households, commercial buildings, and industrial settings, as well as in consumer electronics and automotive applications. Most lülitite provide a visual indication of the circuit state and are designed to operate within specified voltage and current ratings.

Lülitite are classified by actuation method and circuit configuration. Common manual types include toggle switches, push-button switches, rocker switches, and slide switches. Electronic or solid-state variants include relays and contactors used for automatic control.

Construction features include a housing, actuating mechanism, electrical contacts and terminals, and insulation. Contact materials are often silver alloys with durable coatings to minimize wear. Many switches have protective features such as IP-rated enclosures, flame-retardant housings, and mechanical interlocks to meet safety standards.

Standards vary by region but commonly cover performance and safety for electrical accessories and low-voltage switchgear. In Europe, examples include EN 61058 and IEC 60947.

In daily use, lülitite provide a simple, reliable means to control energy flow, from room lighting to industrial control panels. The history notes development from early knife switches in the 19th century to modern compact and solid-state designs.