Electrical Switch

electricity · circuits · inventions

Opens and closes. A switch controls the flow of electricity through wires by either letting current pass through when its contacts touch, or blocking it when they separate.

Made of contacts. Most switches have movable metal parts called contacts that come together or pull apart to make or break the electrical connection.

Controls everything. Light switches in your home are the most common type, but switches also control televisions, computers, refrigerators, and nearly every electrical device you use.

Can redirect power. Some switches don't just turn electricity on or off, they actually redirect the current from one path to another, like changing which direction water flows through a pipe.