BUILD CARD · EASY
Switch-Controlled Lamp
Build a simple loop in which a slide switch turns a small lamp on and off.
- Time
- 10 min
- Age
- 8+
- Pieces
- 5
- Board
- 10×7
- Build and check a 10×7 snap-grid circuit from a visual diagram.
- The lamp lights only when the switch closes one continuous path back to the battery.
02 / PARTS CHECK
Parts list
- 1×5-snap wireconnector
- 1×3-snap wireconnector
- 1×2.5V lamplamp
- 1×Slide switchswitch
- 1×3V two-cell battery holderpower
03 / ASSEMBLY
How to build the circuit
- 1
Disconnect the battery and clear the base grid before placing any part.
- 2
Match the final diagram one grid position at a time, placing connecting wires and lower layers first.
- 3
Check the direction of every LED, diode, transistor, battery, and other terminal-sensitive part.
- 4
Press every shared snap firmly, check that no wire shorts the battery, then connect power last.
04 / FIELD NOTES
How it works
The battery pushes electric charge around one continuous loop.
With the switch open, the loop is broken and the lamp stays off.
Closing the switch completes the loop, allowing current to pass through the lamp.
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05 / TEST
Test and expected result
- What to do
- Close the slide switch to complete the loop, then open it again.
- What to expect
- The lamp turns on with a complete path and turns off when the switch breaks that path.
06 / SAFETY
Build smart
- Use only the 3V battery holder supplied for this project.
- Never connect the two battery terminals directly together.
- Disconnect the battery when you finish.
07 / TROUBLESHOOTING
If it does not work
- Check that every overlapping snap is pressed down firmly.
- Make sure the batteries are installed in the directions marked on the holder.
- Open the switch before moving any part.
08 / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about this circuit
What is the main idea behind this circuit?
The lamp lights only when the switch closes one continuous path back to the battery.
What should I check first if it does not work?
Check that every overlapping snap is pressed down firmly.
09 / RELATED BUILDS
Try a similar circuit
Continue with another build that shares the same components, ideas, or difficulty.
Pushbutton Electric Light
A pushbutton variation of manual Project 1 that lights the lamp only while pressed.
Slide Switch LED
Build a white LED circuit that turns on when you close the slide switch.
Blue LED Switch Light
Replace the color LED in manual Project 2 with a blue LED and keep the current-limiting resistor.