# The condition that exists when a telephone or other user instrument is not in use, i.e., when idle waiting for a call. Note: on-hook originally referred to the storage of an idle telephone receiver, i.e., separate earpiece, on a switchhook. The weight of the receiver depresses the spring loaded switchhook thereby disconnecting the idle instrument (except its bell) from the telephone line. # One of two possible signaling states, such as tone or no tone, or ground connection versus battery connection. Note: if on-hook pertains to one state, off-hook pertains to the other. # The idle state, i.e., an open loop of a subscriber line or PBX user loop. # An operating state of a telecommunication circuit in which transmission is disabled and a high impedance, or "open circuit", is presented to the link by the end instrument(s). Note: during the on-hook condition, the link is responsive to ringing signals.
The act of going on-hook is also referred to as releasing the line or channel, and may initiate the process of clearing.
See also disconnect supervision.
Category:Telephony signals Category:Telecommunications termsThis text is licensed under the Creative Commons CC-BY-SA License. This text was originally published on Wikipedia and was developed by the Wikipedia community.
![Aston Martin Instrumental W/ Hook [ BEST REMAKE instrumental ON YOUTUBE] (DL LINK )](http://web.archive.org./web/20110227070108im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/K5dvjc4-5js/0.jpg "Aston Martin Instrumental W/ Hook [ BEST REMAKE instrumental ON YOUTUBE] (DL LINK )")
