Turning off the power to electronic equipment is as simple as flipping a switch. In layman’s terms, a switch is an electrical component that may cut or complete a circuit. As you might have suspected, switches are crucial yet need to be given the credit they deserve. Every switch is different, and by learning how each one works, you can decide which is best for your needs. Some electrical switches incorporate additional functionalities, such as indicators and their primary on/off functionality. Here, we will discuss types of electrical switches to help you find the best one for your home.
Types of Electrical Switches
Let’s understand each light switch type in detail:
01. One-Way Switch or Single-Pole Switch
The most common type of electrical light switch is a single-pole or one-way switch. It facilitates operating multiple appliances, such as lights, fans, or other devices, from a single switch. When a brand-new single-pole switch is dissected, it reveals a green screw connected to the metal strap and two brass-coloured screw terminals on the switch’s body. As its name implies, this switch is typically used to toggle between hot wires in a circuit. One-way switches typically have a ground terminal for connecting the ground wire of an electrical circuit. In its most basic form, a make-or-break switch is how a one-way switch works. The two terminals are joined together when the switch is in the ON position and separated when it is in the OFF position.
02. Two-Way Switch or Double-Pole Switch
A two-way electric switch lets you operate two lights from a single wall plate. It’s the mechanical equivalent of two single-pole switches sharing a single button. As a bonus, this switch is simple to use. It is typically used to regulate 240-volt home appliances like electric furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, or hot tub heaters. Each double-pole switch also has a green grounding screw for connecting the grounding wire of the circuit.
03. Three-Way Light Switch
In a three-way switch, two separate switches control one light fixture or appliance. This type of electrical switch is used in pairs, commonly at both ends of staircases, hallways, or big rooms. It isn’t very easy to install.
04. Four-Way Light Switch
A four-way switch controls one fixture from three different locations. It is mostly used in large rooms. The four-way switch has four terminals plus a ground terminal. It is also difficult to install.
05. Dimmer Switch
Dimmer switches allow you to regulate the power of each light in your home. The dimmer switch reduces energy consumption, thus helping you save up to 20% on your electric bill.
A light dimmer or stepless regulator can adjust the light’s brightness from bright to dim or the fan’s speed. While previous regulators could only be turned in discrete steps corresponding to discrete fan speed levels, the light dimmer/stepless regulator allows continuous rotation.
LEDs are the best energy-efficient light bulbs for home use, and investing in a dimmer can maximise your energy savings. But like CFLs, many LED bulbs will not work with a standard dimmer switch. Using a non-compatible bulb can cause buzzing, flickering, and damage to the light.
If you want to know about installation process of dimmer switch, check out the following blog:
How To Install A Dimmer Switch- A Step By Step Guide
06. Bell Switch
A bell switch is a standard switch used to activate doorbells. This type of wall switch has a momentary on/off switch that, unless the button is depressed, always keeps the circuit broken. An illuminated bell switch with an indicator makes it easy to turn the power on and off, even in the dark. You can install and use these switches with minimal effort. It has a wide range of applications, including homes and offices.
07. Smart Switch
A smart switch is an innovative type of wall switch that incorporates electronics, enabling remote control of lights and other appliances via various non-conventional means, such as a voice assistant or an internet app. With a smartphone app and an internet connection, you can monitor your lights and turn them on or off from anywhere, thanks to the widespread installation of smart switches. Additionally, you can programme these switches to turn lights and appliances on or off at predetermined times. While you can replace regular wall switches with smart switches, their operation requires a small current flow and a neutral wire connection. Therefore, you may need a circuit update to take advantage of these switches.
Also Read: The Benefits of Incorporating Smart Devices into Your Home
08. Touch Sensitive Switch
The conventional and antiquated notion of a switch has been reimagined in the age of touch sensitive switches. This switch is stylishly crafted to provide convenience without sacrificing comfort. It is becoming increasingly common as a smart home solution because it allows for convenient one-touch appliance control and has the sleek design that today’s millennials value so highly. You can adjust the lighting to suit your preferences.
09. Motion Sensor Switch
When someone enters a room, a motion detector in the occupancy switch activates the lights. For a specified duration, the light will remain on. If the motion detector doesn’t detect any further activity, it will turn off the light. The censors typically have a square or rectangular profile. And they have a little button so you can turn the light off, leave it on all the time, or use it in censor mode if you want to.
Conclusion
After reading about electrical switch types, it is now easy for you to choose the right electric light switch. Consider what features the switch needs to fulfill, its purpose, and then narrow down your choice by exploring the options you like the best.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the following blog on replacing light switch:
How To Replace A Light Switch – Step By Step Guide
Author Bio
Nafisa Nazneen Choudhury – Nafisa Nazneen Choudhury is a Civil Engineer (completed B.E. from Assam Engineering College) and is currently pursuing M.Tech in Structural Engineering at National Institute of Technology, Silchar. She is a Technical Content Writer, having over 3 years of experience and has wrote many articles related to Civil Engineering. She is also a Book Author (Authored – “Dream Tales of NNC: Revenge By Murder”) and her book can be found on Amazon. She is also a Guest Author at Gharpedia. Moreover, she is a certified member at Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). She writes her blogs at her website – nnc2017.wordpress.com. She can be reached on LinkedIn.