What kind of switch should you install in a single wire circuit that requires the switch to be manually held in the ON position?

The choice to install a single-pole, single-throw (SPST) two-position normally open (NO) switch in a single wire circuit that requires manual holding in the ON position is correct because this type of switch is specifically designed for this functionality.

A normally open switch means that the circuit is incomplete until the switch is actuated, allowing current to flow only when the switch is being held in the ON position. This is critical for applications like temporary lighting or signals, where the user must maintain pressure on the switch to keep the device powered. The SPST configuration is straightforward, providing a simple on/off mechanism with just one circuit path, making it easy to integrate into basic electrical systems.

In contrast, a double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch is typically used for more complex circuits that require switching between two different outputs, which is unnecessary for a simple on/off requirement and complicates the design. A single-pole, single-throw (SPST) normally closed (NC) switch would allow current to flow until the switch is pressed, which does not meet the requirement of needing to be held in the ON position. Lastly, a three-way switch is used to control lights from two different locations and is not suited for