Which switch completes a circuit only when it is in the closed (on) position?

Which switch completes a circuit only when it is in the closed (on) position?

• A. Push Switch
• B. Push-to-Break Switch
• C. On-Off Switch
• D. Two-Way Switch

Answer: (C)

When a switch closes the electrical path, current can flow. An On-Off switch is designed so that in the ON position the contacts connect, completing the circuit and allowing current to flow; in the OFF position the contacts open, stopping the current. This makes it the best fit for a switch that completes a circuit only when it’s in the closed position. Other switches don’t fit this exact pattern. A push switch can be momentary (closing only while pressed) or may be a normally closed type that opens on press, which isn’t simply “complete when closed.” A push-to-break type is closed when not pressed and opens when pressed. A two-way switch selects between circuits rather than simply turning a single circuit on or off.

When a switch closes the electrical path, current can flow. An On-Off switch is designed so that in the ON position the contacts connect, completing the circuit and allowing current to flow; in the OFF position the contacts open, stopping the current. This makes it the best fit for a switch that completes a circuit only when it’s in the closed position.

Other switches don’t fit this exact pattern. A push switch can be momentary (closing only while pressed) or may be a normally closed type that opens on press, which isn’t simply “complete when closed.” A push-to-break type is closed when not pressed and opens when pressed. A two-way switch selects between circuits rather than simply turning a single circuit on or off.