Proper switches are required to turn the lights and other electrical appliances on and off. Without them, you won’t be able to control their operations.
Nowadays, different types of light switches are available in the market. You no longer have to limit your options to the same old lever switches. Instead, you can explore these varied types so that you can have the best switching system for your home.
From single-pole to three-way, lighting switches do not differ much in functionality. Rather, their configurations and styles help people distinguish between them.
So, if you want to add new light switches or replace the old ones, it’s time you explore these options. That being said, we have compiled a list of different types of light switches for residential purposes. Additionally, we have also provided a brief guide to help you pick the best one for your house.
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Light Switches and Their Different Styles
You will find four different styles of light switches. These are classified based on how you operate them.
This below discussion will help you gain a better understanding of these categories.
- Toggle switches: These come with a single lever. You just need to flip the lever up or down to switch the connected appliances on or off.
- Slider switches: As the name sounds, these come with a button that can be slid up and down along a grove. You can use them to dim the lights or increase their brightness. Some slider switches also allow you to turn off the lights completely.
- Rocker switches: These also have a lever design underneath the casing. However, the surface is wider and flatter compared to the toggle ones. You need to press the top or bottom part only to control the operations.
- Push button switches: You need to push the button to switch on or off the lights and other connected appliances. A few styles can come with a rotary dial. Turn it clockwise or anticlockwise to dim the lights.
Different Types of Light Switches Based on Operational Control
1. Single-pole Switches
Out of all the types of light switches, the single-pole switch is the most commonly used one. It is primarily used to control only one electrical fixture.
There are two metal screws on the side for connecting the electrical wires. Once you press the switch, the electrical circuit is completed.
This turns on the connected light or appliance. Similarly, when you again press the switch, the circuit is broken, and the electrical supply gets turned off.
2. Double-pole Switches
Although not common for households, you can get the double-pole switches for larger applications. These mainly operate with appliances requiring 240 wattages.
There are four screws, two for incoming and the other two for outgoing wires. Two individual hot wires will be connected to the switches to create a complete circuit.
Green grounding screws are also present to connect the appliance’s ground wires. You can turn both the appliances on or off simultaneously with the switch.
3. Three-way Switches
If you want to control the same appliance from two different locations, the three-way switch will be the best. These types of light switches come with three terminals:
- Connecting to the electrical panel
- Connecting to the second three-way switch
- Connecting to the concerned light fixture or appliance
You can easily control the connected appliance from either location of the wall. For instance, you can turn on the lights from the bottom of the staircase. After you reach the top, press the second three-way switch to turn off the lights.
4. Four-way Switches
These light switches also offer control over the connected appliances from multiple locations. However, unlike the three-way switches, these can be used in three or more locations.
For example, if you have a long hallway, using these types of light switches is feasible. Here, four different terminals are present to help you connect one switch to two other four-way switches. Pressing any of the connected switches will turn the lights on or off instantly.
5. Smart Switches
Nowadays, one of the most hyped types of light switches used is the smart switch. It needs to be connected to the internet for operation.
Once the connection is established, you can control the concerned light fixture or appliance using voice assistant apps like Alexa. Some smart switches also offer wireless connectivity and control through a phone app.
In other words, you have to connect your mobile phone to the same wireless network as that of the switches. Once done, control its operation through the mobile app only.
Smart switches are connected with standard light switches through a neutral wire. That’s because they require a small amount of electric current for their operation.
6. Dimmer Switches
As the name sounds, these switches help increase or decrease the brightness of the light fixtures easily. You can get either a rotary dial or a slider switch to dim the connected light fixtures.
- A rotary dial switch needs to be turned clockwise or anticlockwise to control the illumination.
- A slider switch will come with a small button. It needs to be moved up and down along a groove for dimming the lights.
7. Combination Switches
One of the most convenient types of light switches you can get is the combination switch. It usually comes with one light switch and a power outlet.
Sometimes, it can also have two switches and a single power outlet. This arrangement will help you control the electrical circuit operations conveniently.
Tips to Choose the Best Light Switch Type for Your Home
- You should decide how many appliances you want to control with a single switch. If you want a single appliance to be operated, opt for a single-pole switch. For two appliances, a double-pole switch will be best.
- Another consideration to make is the locations from where you want to control the appliances. For instance, a three-way switch will help you turn the lights on or off from two separate wall locations. On the contrary, a four-way switch can assist you in controlling the appliances from three or more locations.
Final Thoughts
With so many different types of light switches, becoming confused is common for everyone. So, you should understand the electrical requirements of your house.
Also, the choice of the switch should depend on your convenience. using too many different switches can create a messy electrical circuit arrangement. Hence, be consistent with the selection to avoid unnecessary hassles.
