11 Types of Light Switches and How to Select the Right Ones For Your Home
There is a wide selection of light switch types available for controlling lights, appliances, and other devices. Toggle, rocker, slider, and push-button are among the most frequently used styles. Generally, the style will not affect the function or how the switch is wired; it simply gives you more options for your switch selection.
Usually, most replacement light switches are best with the same type as your old one. However, make sure to consider all of your choices before deciding on a light switch for your home.
Types of Switches
Single-Pole Light Switch
The most common standard switch to be found in many homes is the single-pole switch. This type of electrical switch controls one light fixture or a series from one location. This comes with two brass terminal screws and a toggle marked "ON" and "OFF".
In terms of functionality, it either connects or disconnects the circuit path for the light to turn on and off. Flipping the switch to the "ON" position completes the circuit, enabling the flow of electricity into the light fixture and lighting it up.
Alternatively, if you switch it to the "OFF" setting, the circuit is disconnected, halting the electricity from reaching the light fixture, resulting in the light being extinguished.
Double-Pole Light Switch
A double-pole switch, often called a DP switch, would imply its function: control of two currents concurrently. There are four terminal screws involved: two for the incoming 'hot' wires and two for the outgoing 'hot' wires.
While single-pole is for one place control of one fixture, a double-pole electrical switch manages either two independent devices or just one which requires a power supply of 240 volts from one place.
When you close the double-pole switch, basically you are closing both circuits and letting electricity pass through to power your devices. Flipping it to "OFF" will break the circuit, thus no more flow of electricity, hence turning off the devices.
Dimmer Switch
A dimmer electrical switch is a specialized light switch that enables you to adjust the brightness levels and light levels of the connected light fixture. Instead of just switching the lights on or off, a dimmer switch allows you to fine-tune the light intensity, helping you create the ideal atmosphere for any setting. Using a dimmer switch is usually simple.
Traditional rotary dimmers operate by turning a knob to vary the light's brightness, while slide dimmers use a slider and an on/off switch. Some modern dimmers even offer touch or remote control for extra convenience.
Keep in mind that not all light bulbs can be dimmed, so it's essential to use dimmable bulbs with your dimmer switch.
Rocker Switch
A rocker-switch is similar to a toggle switch, but instead of flipping a lever, the user rocks up or down or from side to side. Press the top of the switch to turn on the light and the bottom to turn off.
Both switches are virtually identical in reliability, and one chooses based purely on personal preference. The rocker switch is more streamlined in design and fitting where space is at a premium but could be used advantageously to avoid the possibility of snagging on clothing or other objects.
Double Light Switch
A double light switch is a type of switch able to control two light fixtures independently but from one location; it's also known as a dual or multiway switch. This allows each of them to be turned on and off independently.
Double light switches are mainly used in industrial applications, but sometimes they are installed to control devices like an electric water heater or an air conditioner in residential wiring. Comparing it with the single-pole switch, that is way much more common, double-pole switches are pretty rare in a house—especially if there are no appliances calling for them.
These switches are designed to control 240-volt circuits using two separate "hot" wires. They include four brass-colored screw terminals for connecting both the incoming and outgoing wires.
Additionally, double-pole switches have a green-colored screw used to ground the grounding wire in the circuit. When need arises to control one major appliance using one switch, consider a double-pole as the best option to serve your needs.
Triple Light Switch
Want to manage multiple lights individually from one spot in a room or hallway? A triple switch is the perfect solution. Available in both rocker and toggle styles, a triple switch allows you to control each light separately, unlike a standard single-pole switch that only provides "all on" or "all off" options. It's important not to confuse triple switches with three-way switches, which control a single light from multiple locations.
Three-Way Switch or Four-Way Switch
A three-way switch isn't a double or triple switch; it's to control one light but at two or more locations. It's often known as a multiway switch since it permits you to light up from one end of a hallway and put it off from the other.
Wiring on a three-way switch is slightly more intricate, so wire this while pre-planning before setting it up. The following are characteristics of a three-way switch: no "on-off" markings, three screw terminals, and a green ground screw, which is found on the body of the switch.
The four-way switch is so-called because, with two three-way switches, it controls the light from three or more different locations. It has four terminal screws, which give it that name because it is another switch to put between the two three-way switches for connecting.
Push Button Switches
This type of switch features a button that, when pressed, will turn the connected light on or off. Some push-button switches also come with a rotary dial that allows you to adjust the brightness of the lights by turning it.
Smart Switches
A smart switch allows you to control light fixtures or appliances via a voice assistant (like Alexa) or a mobile app. With an internet connection, the app lets you monitor, control, and schedule the connected lights to automatically turn on or off at your preferred times.
Typically, smart switches are installed in the same spot as standard light switches, but most require a neutral wire connection to maintain a small current for operation. This may necessitate a circuit upgrade. However, some smart switches don’t need a neutral wire and instead connect wirelessly to the internet through a hub.
Wireless Switches
If you're in the market for a fantastic and trendy light switch, the one you want is a wireless switch. It is also referred to as a wireless light switch and functions by utilizing a process known as the transmitter system, which is created to send a specific frequency to an indoor receiver to turn the lights on or off.
Motion Activated Light Switches
A motion sensor light switch, otherwise known as an occupancy or vacancy sensor, is a device connected to a circuit that automatically turns lights off and on by detecting movement within a set area. Most of the switches use infrared, ultrasonic, or microwave technology in sensing motion.
Most of the motion sensors are attached at prime locations in such a way to cover maximum area, while some come as an integral part of the lighting fixture, and in other models it would be an accessory bought separately and mounted accordingly. The exact placement depends on the type and model of the light fixture.
FAQs on Light Switch Types
What Are the Most Common Switches Used in Homes?
The four most common light switch types are single-pole switches, double-pole switches, three-way switches, and four-way switches.
How Do I Select the Right Light Switch for My Home?
Choosing a light switch for your house need not be frustrating. Consider first the features that you particularly want to have on the switch to help it serve the purpose, then explore options that best suit your preference.
For example, if you need to be able to operate a single light from two or three different locations, then you'll need to use a three-way or four-way switch. If you want to cut down on your lighting bill, then a motion sensor switch or programmable smart switch is in order. Specialty switches are rated for particular tasks, as when changing the blade speed of a fan or just switching a light fixture on and off.
How Do Single-Pole Switches Work?
When you flip a single-pole switch to the ON position, it completes the electrical circuit, allowing electricity to flow and turning on the light.