Umschaltung

Umschaltung is a term used to describe the act of switching or changing from one state, path, or circuit to another. The word combines um- (around, change) with Schaltung (circuit, switching) and is used across several technical and practical fields to denote a transition between alternatives.

In electrical engineering, Umschaltung refers to changing the connection of a circuit from one input to another or selecting a different operating mode. A central component is the Umschaltkontakt or changeover contact, typically implemented in relays or selector switches, which connects a common terminal alternately to normally open or normally closed contacts. Umschaltungen may be automatic or manual and can have defined transfer times. They are often designed with safeguards to prevent unintended rapid switching, such as hysteresis or interlocks.

In control and automation, Umschaltung describes switching between operating modes (for example automatic versus manual), between sensor inputs, or between redundant systems. Automatic Umschaltung is a common strategy to maintain operation by routing control or power through backup components when the primary path fails, a concept also known as failover or redundancy.

In power distribution, Umschaltung can entail the reconfiguration of feeders or networks to balance load, isolate faults, or integrate distributed generation. Proper design of Umschaltung logic and interlocks is important for system safety and stability.

In telecommunications and related fields, Umschaltung denotes switching between networks or communication paths, such as routing calls or data through different channels or networks, often coordinated by switching centers or control software.

Overall, Umschaltung encompasses the deliberate transfer of signals, power, or information from one circuit, path, or mode to another, typically to maintain function, efficiency, or safety.