A contact lever for use in an electrical switch assembly so as to allow selectable movement within the switch assembly of a contact lever contact member from electrical connection with a first stationary contact member into electrical connection with a second stationary contact member, the contact lever including: first and second lever arms that are connected at respective first ends to the contact lever contact member; said first and second lever arms having respective second ends, and, said first and second lever arms being configured to extend away from the contact member and to terminate at their respective second ends; a gap disposed between the first and second lever arms which separates the first and second lever arms as they extend away from the contact member, and wherein the gap is configured to allow movement of a spring element of the switch assembly therethrough; and a bridge member configured for connection with the first and second lever arms so as to traverse the gap separating the first and second lever arms.