Knife Switch, 1910-1930
Add to SetSummary
Switches open or close an electrical circuit to turn things off or on. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, knife switches were commonly found in engine or generating rooms, connected to factory motors, or mounted on a building's power and lighting switchboard. Operators pushed the hinged, metal blades into the switch's jaws to send electricity to where it was needed.
Switches open or close an electrical circuit to turn things off or on. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, knife switches were commonly found in engine or generating rooms, connected to factory motors, or mounted on a building's power and lighting switchboard. Operators pushed the hinged, metal blades into the switch's jaws to send electricity to where it was needed.
Artifact
Knife switch
Date Made
1910-1930
Creators
Unknown
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
00.625.177
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Copper (Metal)
Slate (Rock)
Bakelite (TM)
Dimensions
Height: 2.5 in
Width: 3.75 in
Length: 9.25 in
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