Switch

: This article is about electrical switches. For other meanings of the word "switch", see Switch (disambiguation).

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A switch is a device for making or breaking an electric circuit, or for selecting between multiple circuits.

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In the simplest case, a switch has two pieces of metal called contacts that touch to make a circuit, and separate to break the circuit. The contact material is chosen for its resistance to corrosion, because most metals form insulating oxides that would prevent the switch from working. Sometimes the contacts are plated with noble metals. They may be designed to wipe against each other to clean off any contamination. Nonmetallic conductors, such as conductive plastic, are sometimes used. The moving part that applies the operating force to the contacts is called the actuator, and may be a toggle or dolly, a rocker, a push-button or any type of mechanical linkage (see photo).

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Electric: REDIRECT Electricity...

Circuit: There are many kinds of circuit...

Metal: :For alternative meanings see metal (disambiguation)....

Switch related Images and Photos (experimental)

Switch	Switch (DVD)	INXS: Switch CD	INXS: Switch CD
The Switch	Color Switch	Instant Switch	Harry Potter Professor McGonagall's Witch Hat by Elope
Switch Pop Bottle Opener	Switch Modular Pocket Knife	Switch Salt and Pepper Shaker	T-Switch 6 Pack Train Track