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I'm looking for a small fairly rugged normally open switch that closes when a "pin" is removed. It needs to take about 12V It needs to be passive and not require power. Is there such a component?

Basically, I want to be able to pull out a pin or a small plug to turn a device on.

I can think of a mechanical solution, a plastic pin that blocks the current flow, once removed the contacts would press together. But, for my application (a drone) I don't think I can build something rugged enough.

So is there a type of store-bought component that will do this?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ sure. take a clothes pin, the old wooden type, glue some copper pads to the ends, for contacts. Then add wire to each contact. insert some insulator like a piece of hard plastic for the "Pin." There you have it. I hope this isn't for some kind of bomb. No, of course not in this day & age. \$\endgroup\$
    – Tim Spriggs
    Commented Mar 30, 2016 at 22:24
  • \$\begingroup\$ Take a look here \$\endgroup\$
    – EM Fields
    Commented Mar 30, 2016 at 22:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ Any pin-activated switch which is SPDT will do what you want. You use the common and the NC contacts. \$\endgroup\$
    – WhatRoughBeast
    Commented Mar 30, 2016 at 22:41
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    \$\begingroup\$ These things often go as remove before flight switch [or pin]. It's also possible to rig a switch like that out of a DC barrel jack. \$\endgroup\$
    – Nick Alexeev
    Commented Mar 30, 2016 at 22:42

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3.5mm Audio Jack with switch?
DC Barrel Jack (2.1mm / 2.5mm) with internal switch lip?
About any round connector meant for low power multi-media will have variants with a switch inside.

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