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A switch is a mechanical device used to connect and disconnect a circuit at will.

The simplest of switches...

SPST

Single pole, single throw

One way

Two way

A simple on-off switch: The two terminals are either connected together or not connected to anything. An example is a light switch.

A momentary switch performs the same function, by completing the circuit when pressed, but when you let up off the button, the switch resets to open and the circuit is broken.