| Manufactured
prior to 1991 by many manufacturers, mercury light switches
(generally referred to as “silent switches” contain
about 2 grams of mercury. Mainly found in older buildings,
these devices look like typical wall switches, but they
do not make the audible "click" sound when activated. The
mercury switch has a small hollow cylinder, partially filled
with mercury; when in the “off” position, a small contact
is above the mercury level, when flipped to the “on” position,
the contact is immersed in mercury. This establishes contact
between the two terminals and provides power to the light
fixture. |
