Moving a Switch on Shabbat
Question
1. I have touch-sensitive light switches at home that detect the touch of a finger, and I have the option to disable them so that they do not turn on the lamp, but as I understand it, they still detect the touch.
Is it permitted to touch them on Shabbat?
2. What about physical switches that do not turn anything on — is it permitted to press them on Shabbat?
(If they do not even detect the pressing at all)
Is it permitted to touch them on Shabbat?
2. What about physical switches that do not turn anything on — is it permitted to press them on Shabbat?
(If they do not even detect the pressing at all)
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah.
1. One should check with the manufacturer whether touching it after it has been disabled has any significance, and what the touch activates while it is disabled.
2. It is forbidden to move a switch even when it is disconnected, because of muktzeh.
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)
