What is the term for a piece of metal used to bypass a safety device in electrical systems?

The term that refers to a piece of metal used to bypass a safety device in electrical systems is a jumper. A jumper is typically made of conductive material and is used to create a temporary connection that allows current to flow in the absence of a normal operational path, particularly when a safety device is tripped or faulty.

Using a jumper provides a way to maintain functionality in an electrical system but comes with significant risks, as it bypasses important safety mechanisms designed to prevent dangerous conditions like overloads or short circuits. This practice should be approached with caution and typically only performed by trained individuals who understand the electrical system in question and the associated hazards.

The other terms listed have different purposes: a switch functions as a control device to enable or disable the flow of electricity; a fusible link is designed to melt and break the circuit under overload conditions; and a connector is used to join two or more electrical terminals but does not inherently bypass safety devices. Each of these components plays a critical role in electrical systems, but none serve the same function as a jumper.