Turning off power to a section of track

[btk]

A simple question, but my google-fu is failing me and I haven't found a clear answer.

If I want to be able to cut power to a track, say a yard spur, is it enough to put a SPST switch on the connection to one of the rails or do I need a DPST switch to cut off both rails?

 

[Red Oak & Western]

DC or DCC, it doesn't matter. Turn off one rail and nothing moves. So SPST will do fine.

 

[Iron Horseman]

If I want to be able to cut power to a track, say a yard spur, is it enough to put a SPST switch on the connection to one of the rails

Yes, electricity doesn't flow without a complete circuit. Breaking any point in the wire turns things off.

 

[dave1905]

Will require an insulated joiner/s or a gap/s in the rail on the rail that is connected to the switch to electrically isolate it.