What does the throw of a switch refer to?

The throw of a switch refers to the number of circuits that each pole can complete. In electrical terminology, "throw" indicates the position the switch can take to connect or disconnect a circuit. For instance, a single-pole switch with a throw can control one circuit, while a switch with multiple throws can connect to multiple circuits, depending on its design and construction. Understanding this term is essential for analyzing electrical systems and ensuring proper circuit design and functionality in aircraft electrical systems.

Options discussing the number of terminals, the resting positions of operating devices, or the total current capacity pertain to other aspects of switch characteristics but do not define what a switch throw is. Thus, these options do not accurately capture the primary meaning associated with the term "throw."