Editing Railroad switch (section)

=== Switch motor ===
[[File:FAW-points1.jpg|thumb|The ''switch motor'' (in this case an electric motor) and associated mechanism used to operate this switch can be seen to the right in the picture.]]

A ''switch motor'' or ''switch machine'' (point motor or point machine) is an electric, [[hydraulic]] or [[pneumatic]] mechanism that aligns the points with one of the possible routes. The motor is usually controlled remotely by the dispatcher (signaller in the UK). The switch motor also includes electrical contacts to detect that the switch has completely set and locked. If the switch fails to do this, the governing signal is kept at red (stop). There is also usually some kind of manual handle for operating the switch in emergencies, such as power failures, or for maintenance purposes.

A patent by [[1897 in rail transport|W. B. Purvis]] dates from 1897.

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