Easy Way To Remember What The I and O Means On A Switch

Easy way to remember what the I and O means on a switch. Are you trying to figure out why your power switch doesn't simply say on/off? Why do the manufacturers make it impossible to remember which symbol means on or off? Steve gives you the solution.

The I and O are universal symbols for power on and off but that doesn't help you remember on the spot...Different manufacturers have different terms to help you out but Steve has the easy answer.

👍Please click the like button and tell me what you think of this video in the comments section below. 👇👇👇

For more videos like this, check out:

🔧WELCOME to the Steve’s Small Engine Saloon YouTube channel! Here you will find a vast library of easy do it yourself repair videos for all types of small engine equipment like chainsaws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, riding lawn mowers and so much more. I have been a small engine mechanic for over 30 years and my videos are absolutely loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to pass on to YOU. 🙂

⭐Members-only have cool access to badges, emojis and exclusive content as well as a way to help support the channel.⭐

You can connect with Steve here too:

If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any kind. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from the improper use of tools, equipment or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and not Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. Please ensure that you take all proper recommended safety measures before attempting any project. Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

#stevessmallenginesaloon #smallenginerepair #smallengine #repair #diy #fix #troubleshooting #howto #engine #howitworks #doityourself #lawnandgarden #switches #techexplained #technologyexplained #demystifyingswitches #techtips #techknowledge #powerswitch

[vbertrand]

I see it as 0 and 1 (ZERO, ONE). You can see switches with O, I, II (ZERO, ONE, TWO) on a typical fan type, which also indicate speed.
Very easy to understand when you think of it that way.

[brianhall]

I'm glad you brought this up Steve I'm mechanically inclined but that did help clear the switch for me I get confused once in awhile didn't exactly know what to think thanks brother you're the man💪👍

[danielneeland]

It’s binary. It’s machine code. It’s digital. Zero (0) means off, one (1) means on or open.
Thank you Steve.

[medicbabeID]

I'm just going to ignore all the pretention in the comments and thank you for the easy-to-remember explanation. I for "ignition" and O for "off." Fantastic!

[billthompson]

I'm a computer programmer so the 1/0 is second nature to me - never have to think about it anymore. It was very eye-opening to see how many people are confused by these symbols (takes me back to my college days when I was first learning this stuff and yes, I remember being confused by it). "I" for Ignition - what a great, simple way to remember! Thanks Steve!

[dennisw]

Glad I'm not the only one who was forgetful about the "I" and the "0". I finally made a mental note that the "0" was for open as in in open circuit. I do like the ignition memory tip, though. Thanks.

[robertforster]

I always had a problem with this. O could be on or off. I remembered it as the line means connected. But ignition is a way easier way to remember this. Thanks Steve. Never had a problem with the rocker switch that automatically goes back to the on position after shutting off. But the older ones didn't

[gageshot]

I believe the I and O is 1 and 0, Binary. 1 is on and 0 is off.

[rightlyso]

Thank you, Steve! You certainly helped me. I used to mark the switch with a drop of "Wite-Out". Worked out once or twice, before I forgot if the dot meant ON or OFF!
Now, I'll never forget. Thanks again for making life just that little bit simpler.

[eleanorap]

THANK YOU!! You don’t know the struggle I’ve been having for the last…. Well, forever!
I just wasted 30 minutes trying to figure this out!! You’re a life changer!

[georgewashington]

A "universal symbol" that is universally confusing

[rhodawatkins]

No more just flipping the switch to see what happens. Thank you. I don't know when they stopped using plain words to tell you the purpose of things, but they did not ask or inform a lot of us, and left us very confused. You have cleared this up with one simple word. Ignition!

[Andy-kdrd]

Every season it’s the same thing. The mystery of the on/off switch. This video saves me a lot of time digging through the shed while looking for the owners manual. And as an extra benefit by avoiding rummaging through the shed I avoid the annual “you need to clean out the shed” lecture. Wow! Saved again!!

[agapitorodriguez]

Awesome, been in lawn buissness for 10 yrs didn't know till now, thanks stay safe

[barryfowler]

I'm a 76yr old retired Australian airline pilot, my father was a telephone technician in the 50's & 60's. He had several diagnostic tools with on/off switches which had these O & I symbols. I was told by my father in the mid 50's that it was the international electrical circuit symbol for open and closed circuit. I'm not sure about the binary code theory as these symbols were in use long before the word 'computer' was ever known by the technician fraternity or the general public. Sorry, but it's hard to accept something being named after a thing that hasn't been invented yet.😁.

[bobbyhutto]

Lol!! Thank you! I am glad to know I was not the only one struggling with this. This is the most informative 1 minute video ever produced! Thanks again Steve.

[GastonGalibois]

Great idea, may I also suggest "I" for In circuit and "O" for Off circuit, this helped me for many electronic devices.

[tommiebeebe]

I ran into this situation at work for the first time today and couldn't figure it out... Now I'm glad I came across your video! Thank You!

[sawwbones]

Thank You so much. I can remember that. Well at least till next spring. This getting old is tough on my memory.😊

[TheLawnmowerLady]

Nice! I learned it was binary (therefore supposedly universal meaning- but still confusing because, well... math) "I" is one, on, circuit complete. "O" is zero, nothing, incomplete circuit. Still confusing as heck. I like your explanation better: ignition, and off.