makeandbreak

Makeandbreak is a term used in electrical engineering and related fields to describe the behavior of switches, relays, and other contact-based devices as they transition between on and off states. It refers to how contacts are opened and closed during a switching event and is commonly discussed in two main forms: make-before-break and break-before-make.

In a make-before-break configuration, the new contact closes before the old contact opens. This “shorting” arrangement maintains continuity and minimizes brief interruptions, which can be important in circuits that require uninterrupted operation or in multiplexed switching networks. However, it can introduce momentary overlap where two circuits are connected at once, potentially raising the risk of undesirable cross-connections or arcing if the circuits are not compatible.

In a break-before-make configuration, the old contact opens before the new one closes. This non-shorting arrangement ensures that there is no overlap between connections, reducing the chance of short circuits when switching between circuits that must remain isolated from each other. The trade-off is a brief interruption in the path, which may be undesirable in high-speed or timing-critical applications.

The concept also appears in broader contexts where a mechanism alternates between establishing and severing a connection, such as certain timing, sequencing, or protection devices. Designers choose between make-before-break and break-before-make based on safety, continuity requirements, preferred contact protection, and the nature of the circuits involved.