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How to Build a Circuit Control Device

A circuit control device is the technical name for a switch; it turns power on and off between the electrical supply and the electrical device. The three main types of circuit control devices are: manually operated switches; solenoids, which operate using electromagnets; and relay switches, which are used to control more than one electrical device. Solenoids and relay circuit control devices are not items you can easily build yourself. However, you can make a simple on-and-off control device with a 1.5-volt battery and flashlight to teach your children the basics of electrical circuits.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard
Ruler
Pen
Scissors
Paper clip
2 wing clips
1.5-volt battery
1.5-volt flashlight bulb
AWG 18-gauge wire
Electrical tape

Instructions

- 1
  Mark a four-inch by four-inch square on a piece of cardboard using a ruler and pen. Cut out the square using a knife. This is the base for your circuit control device.
- 2
  Get a metal paper clip and open the outside using your fingers to increase the length of the clip. This is the control device.
- 3
  Measure the distance between the two ends of the clip using a ruler. Mark two spots on the cardboard using a pen, 1/4-inch less than the figure you just measured. The spots need to be centered on the cardboard.
- 4
  Push a wing clip through one of the marks on the cardboard. Turn over the cardboard and open the wings of the clip. Return the cardboard to its original orientation.
- 5
  Put a second wing clip through the end of the paper clip that is still coiled, opposite of the end you opened. Push the wing clip through the cardboard. Turn over the cardboard and open the wings. This holds the paper clip in place.
- 6
  Attach a piece of wire from the "+" terminal on the 1.5-volt battery to the underside of the wing clip that's holding the paper clip in place. Use a strip of electrical tape to keep it in place. Attach the end of another strip of wire from the "+" terminal on the flashlight bulb to the other wing clip using tape.
- 7
  Attach a strip of wire between the "-" terminal on the flashlight bulb and the "-" terminal on the 1.5 volt battery. Use tape as necessary.
- 8
  Turn over the cardboard. Slide the paper clip so the open end touches the second wing clip. As you do this, the electrical current flows to make a circuit. Move the clip away from the wing clip to break the circuit. You've made a simple circuit control device.

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