tripswitch
nounUK /ˈtrɪp.swɪtʃ/
US /ˈtrɪp.swɪtʃ/
A switch that turns off electricity when something goes wrong.
The tripswitch cut the power before the machine could overheat.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A person or thing that triggers a sudden reaction or change.
The surprise announcement acted as a tripswitch for the whole debate.
3. A mechanism that releases a catch or spring when tripped.
The trap's tripswitch snapped shut when the lever was nudged.
4. A control that stops a machine automatically in an emergency.
He hit the tripswitch when the conveyor belt jammed.