When the controls are in neutral, what position is the start-in-gear protection switch in?

When the controls are in neutral, the start-in-gear protection switch is in the "On" (closed) position. This is critical for safety reasons, as it prevents the engine from starting while the vehicle is in gear, which could lead to unintended movement and potential accidents.

In the neutral position, the switch allows the start circuit to complete, enabling the engine to start. This is an intentional design to ensure that the engine can only be started when it is safe to do so. This mechanism protects both the operator and the equipment by preventing operation unless it's in a safe condition. The other options suggest states that do not apply to the functioning of the start-in-gear protection switch when the vehicle is in neutral. For instance, being in the "Off" (open) position would prevent the engine from starting in neutral, while "Neutral position" or "Park position" do not directly describe the state of the switch.