Automatic switch – Definition & Meaning

An automatic switch is an electrical device that is used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. It is an essential component in many electrical systems, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the system operates safely and efficiently.

Definitions

An automatic switch is a device that automatically switches off the power supply to a circuit when it detects an overload or fault. It is designed to protect the circuit from damage and to prevent electrical fires.

Origin

The first automatic switch was invented in the late 19th century by Nikola Tesla. Tesla’s invention was a mechanical switch that was designed to automatically disconnect a circuit when it detected an overload or fault.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an automatic switch is “a device that automatically switches off the power supply to a circuit when it detects an overload or fault.”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an automatic switch as “a device that automatically switches off the power supply to a circuit when it detects an overload or fault.”

Associations

Automatic switches are commonly used in electrical systems to protect circuits from damage and to prevent electrical fires. They are also used in industrial and commercial applications to control the flow of electricity to machinery and equipment.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of automatic switch include circuit breaker, safety switch, and overload protector.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms of automatic switch, but some related terms might include manual switch, non-automatic switch, or non-safety switch.

The same root words

Automatic and switch are the two root words that make up the term automatic switch. Automatic refers to something that operates without human intervention, while switch refers to a device that controls the flow of electricity.

Example Sentences

1. The automatic switch detected an overload in the circuit and shut off the power supply.
2. The safety switch on the machine was an automatic switch that would shut off the power if anything went wrong.
3. The circuit breaker was an automatic switch that protected the electrical system from damage.
4. The automatic switch was an essential component in the industrial machinery, ensuring that it operated safely and efficiently.