Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

Does an open switch conduct electricity?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if closed momentarily

4. Yes, under certain conditions

The correct answer is: No

An open switch does not conduct electricity because it creates a break in the circuit, preventing the flow of electric current. When the switch is in the open position, the contacts within the switch are separated, which means there is no continuous path for the electrical current to flow through. This is a fundamental principle of how switches operate; they are designed to control the flow of electricity by either allowing it to pass (when closed) or stopping it (when open). In a functioning electrical system, an open switch is analogous to a gap in a pathway, making it impossible for electricity to travel through the circuit until the switch is closed and the contacts touch, allowing electron flow.