KNIFE SWITCH
A knife switch has a simple handle that
swings back and forth to open or close a circuit. The switch itself
is not covered with insulation. It is easy to see if the switch
is open (on) or closed (off). The knife switch in the photos below
could be used to turn off a power tool or other equipment.
A simple knife switch is good for doing
experiments with electricity of low voltage. Dry cells have low
voltage and are often used for these experiments. If you touch
the metal of the switch, you should not get hurt when using very low voltage with dry cells!