A switch is an electrical device or component of the circuit that is used to on and off various appliances such as televisions, washing machines, lights, and fans. Its purpose is to complete or break an electric circuit so that we can utilize an electric appliance whenever we want. When a switch makes or completes a circuit and permits current to flow, it is said to be in the ‘ON’ position. A switch is said to be ‘OFF’ when it breaks the electrical circuit and prevents current from flowing through it. A basic manual electromechanical device is the most common type of electric power switch.
In general, there are two types of switches used in electrical circuits:
Electrical switch: In which semiconductors control the operation are electrical switches.
Mechanical switches: These require manual touch or contact with the electrical switch to operate, and are divided into several varieties based on the number of poles (number of input circuits available to the switch) and throws (number of paths for the flow of current available to the switch).
Final Answer:
Hence, the purpose of using an electric switch is to open and close the electrical circuit for particular appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, television, and fan.