master switch
Main power control
A master switch is a single control that governs an entire system or multiple subordinate switches.
In electrical systems, it can cut power to everything at once: Hit the master switch if there's a fire.
Figuratively, a master switch is any decisive control point: Sleep is the master switch for health.
The term implies centralized authority over distributed functions.
- controlAuthority to direct
- control panelInterface for operating machinery
- overrideCancel by authority
- circuit breakerAutomatic power cutoff device
- breakerWave that collapses shoreward
circuit · main line · panel · toggle · lever · killswitch · main · power · power grid · electrical · shutdown · cutoff · flick · on-off · central · central hub · command · authority
- dashboardtachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, speedometer, gas gauge
- switchespush button, toggle, microswitch, killswitch, emergency stop
- wall controlsdimmer, thermostat, outlet, fan control, smart thermostat
- shutoffsshutoff valve, disconnect, cutout, stopcock, circuit breaker
- aircraft electricsavionics, generators, alternators, batteries, inverters
- mastersgrandmaster, headmaster, schoolmaster, sifu, choirmaster