What are electric switches?

Electric switches are electronic components or devices that can break or complete an electrical current. Electric switches turn a flow of electricity and electrical equipment on and off. Electric switches are commonly used devices wherever electricity is available.

Simple electrical switches consist of two electrical conductors, one fixed and one movable. The two conductors are brought in contact with each other by the motion of actuating mechanism. Other complex switches contain electronic circuits that can turn on and off depending on some physical stimulus. Electronic switches use solid state devices such as transistors, but vacuum tubes can be used as well in high-voltage applications.