Switches in circuits
Select Lesson
Electricity
Sound
States of matter
Living things and their habitats
Animals, including humans
Explainer Video
Summary
Switches in circuits
In a nutshell
The main purpose of a switch is to turn a circuit on and off. A switch can either be open or closed. An open switch means the circuit is off as the circuit is broken. A closed switch means the circuit is on as the switch completes the circuit.
Switches
The purpose of a switch is to turn a circuit off and on. A switch has two positions it can be in, open and closed. Switches break the circuit to stop the flow of electricity around the circuit.
Switches are very important in circuits because they can turn off the circuit without having to disconnect the power.
Open switches
Open switches are when the switch is in the open position. This means that the circuit is broken and electricity cannot flow. An open switch turns the circuit off.
| The circuit symbol for an open switch is shown opposite. |  |
Closed switches
Closed switches are when the switch is in the closed position. This means that electricity can flow around the circuit as the switch connects the two points in the circuit. A closed switch turns the circuit on.
| The circuit symbol for a closed switch is shown opposite. |  |
Multiple switches
If a circuit contains multiple switches then they all have to be closed in order for the electricity to flow around the circuit. If one switch is open it means the circuit is broken.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Why are switches important?
Switches are very important otherwise electrical appliances would never switch off.
How does a switch work?
A switch works like a piece of wire that can be placed and removed from the circuit. When it is removed, electricity can no longer flow.
What is an electrical switch?
A switch is an electrical component which can either be on or off.