Red Seal Electrician Practice
Wiring and componentsQuestion 75 of 1506

In switch terms, what do the poles and throws of a switch mean?

  1. Poles are the moving contacts, and throws are the fixed positions of each one
  2. Poles are the stationary contacts, and throws are the moving contacts of a switch
  3. Poles are the terminals and throws are the screws that hold the wires
  4. Poles are the supply lines and throws are the loads that are connected
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Correct answer: Poles are the moving contacts, and throws are the fixed positions of each one

One moving contact with five fixed positions is a single-pole, five-throw switch.

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

Practice wiring and components

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026