What is the purpose of a main switch in an electrical installation?

The main switch serves a crucial role in an electrical installation by controlling the electricity supply to the entire system. It acts as a central point of control, allowing users to easily disconnect the power for maintenance, troubleshooting, or emergencies. By doing so, the main switch provides safety benefits, as it enables the entire installation to be isolated from the electrical supply when necessary. This ensures that repairs or alterations can be performed without the risk of electric shock or equipment damage.

The functionality of the main switch is fundamental to the safety protocols in electrical systems, as it provides a means to quickly cut power to prevent potentially hazardous situations. Other options do not accurately reflect the role of a main switch; for example, increasing voltage, monitoring usage, or overloading circuits contradict the fundamental safety and control purpose of the main switch in an installation.