Red Seal Electrician Practice
Motor controlsQuestion 73 of 1506

A selector switch breaks the old connection before it makes the new one as the knob turns. What is this called?

  1. Make-before-break
  2. Break-before-make
  3. Normally open, timed closed
  4. Single throw
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Correct answer: Break-before-make

It is the most common type. Both circuits are open for a moment.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits IV: Digital (Kuphaldt), 4.3: Contact “Normal” State and Make/Break Sequence

Practice motor controls

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026