Electric circuit switch?

Question

I need to make a electic switch which when turned on another electrical switch, with second power supply, is turned on automatically.

Answer 1

You need a relay.  The first switch turns on a circuit which energizes the relay.   The switched voltage and the voltage that the relay turns on can be different.

Answer 2

You've got a few options (depending on quite what kind of electric you're planning to switch) It's sound like the two power supplies are isolated from each other which rules out simple transistor switches (Even if you could get one to handle the power)

relays will work (other have described them)

but if you want a single switch to control two circuits, and don't care/mind if one power supply isn't working, then consider a DPDT pole switch. They work like two normal switches but they are ganged together, and turn on/off simultaneously.

Another possibility is to use an opto-isolator. (a LED which will shines light on to a photo-diode,allowing a signal to pass, while electrically isolating the LED, and photo-diode sides) on their own they can only cope with small currents/voltages, but combine them with hefty triacs or transistors, and the circuit is capable of handling a fair wack of current/voltage (enough for mains anyway) Triacs are only useful for AC (if used with DC, once triggered they'll stay on!) You can get opto-isolated triacs from decent electronic places, and I think they are capable of handling tens of amps@ mains voltage

Answer 3

sorta confusing, but I think you need a relay, the switch will energize the relay, which will control your secound supply through the contacts, they make them for whatever voltage/current you are sourcing.

Answer 4

A relay will probably do what you need done.  they come in all sorts of voltages and amperage capacities.

Answer 5

a lot more details are needed. What are the various voltages and currents?

Then perhaps a relay can be selected.

Answer 6

got to home depot. they should help