What is the purpose of a general-use switch?

The primary purpose of a general-use switch is to control general distribution and branch circuits. This means that it allows users to turn lights or appliances on and off, effectively managing the flow of electrical power to various devices within a home or building. By inserting a general-use switch into a circuit, it can interrupt the current flowing through the circuit, thus providing a convenient means for operational control.

While isolating circuits from the power source is crucial for safety and maintenance, the general-use switch specifically serves the dual purpose of providing operational control and allowing for convenience in daily electrical use. It does not directly connect service conductors to equipment or function as a circuit breaker, which has specific roles in protecting electrical circuits from overload or fault conditions. Therefore, the function of controlling branch circuits aligns precisely with what a general-use switch is designed to do.