Switch

A switch is an electrical component that breaks or closes a circuit. Opening the switch (breaking the circuit) means turning off the electrical device and closing the switch (completing the circuit) means allowing electrical current to flow so that the device is on.

Switches should be placed on the hot line so that when they're turned off the electrical device (like a lamp) is at the same voltage as the ground, to reduce the risk of electric shock.

PhET Simulation

The University of Colorado has graciously allowed us to use the following PhET simulation. This simulation explores how electrical signals respond to a switch. The electrical signal sent through a wire when a switch is opened, or closed, travels much faster than the electrons in the circuit. Please play with the simulation to explore how a switch turns on and off household electronics.

Click to Run