What component is used to control the direction of fluid flow into an actuator?

• A. Pumps
• B. Selector switch
• C. Reservoir
• D. Filter

Answer: (B)

The ability to change where the pressurized fluid goes determines the actuator’s direction, and that role is filled by the selector switch. This manual control device acts as a directional valve, routing fluid to one side of the actuator to extend and to the opposite side to retract. Pumps provide the fluid flow, a reservoir stores it, and a filter keeps the fluid clean; none of these direct the flow to move the actuator in a particular direction. By switching the path, the selector switch controls which side receives pressure and which side is vented, reversing or changing the actuator’s movement.