Light switches are available in various types, designs and styles. You can choose from different sizes and layouts as well.
The types of light switches available can vary from simple push buttons to more complex ones. Push-button light switches are typically metal with latching or momentary actions. Other types of light switches include toggle switches, which have a lever that can move up and down.
Rocker switches feature a flat surface and spring-loaded rockers. Rotary light switches operate by rotating a decent mechanism. Ultimately, choosing the right switch can make all the difference in your home.
While there are many different types of light switches available, they are divided into four main types. In this article, we are going to discuss the 4 types of lighting switches. In addition to choosing lighting switches, Flagship Energy also offers a variety of ways to help lower your monthly energy bills so you don’t have to worry about your energy costs.
What Are Lighting Switches?
MVAVA Light Switch are devices that control the electrical current running to a light fixture. A light switch is available in every household and industrial setting as it helps you to control the lights with ease. No matter what type of light you install in your home, in order to control it, you need a light switch. There are different types of light switches available in the market.
The most common ones are three-way switches. Three-way switches have three screw terminals, the dark-coloured one is called the common, and it connects to the hot wire that delivers power to the light fixture and switch. The other two screw terminals connect to a pair of wires, known as travellers, and they run between two switches. In general, three-way switches serve a similar purpose but do not have ON/OFF markings.
Another type of lighting switch is motion-activated. These switches are not typically used indoors but outdoors for security purposes. Sound-activated switches can be convenient because they can be triggered by a sound, such as clapping or snapping fingers.
While these switches can be useful for indoor lighting, they can also help to conserve energy. A motion-activated light switch may be useful for areas where a person may be prone to tripping over it and can even detect the sound of a passing finger.
What Are Four Types Of Lighting Switches?
Here are the four main types of lighting switches. You can install any of these types in your home to control the lights.
- Single Pole Single Throw Light Switch
A light switch with one pole and one throw is known as a single pole single throw switch. It controls one circuit, unlike double-pole switches, which control two separate circuits. It consists of two brass terminals, connecting wires, and an actuator. Its main differences are in the way it is shaped and how it operates. A single-pole switch has two screw terminals, one for the hot power source and one for the fixture itself. When flipped or pushed, a hot wire connects to the switch’s two terminals, and when toggled back, the switch closes the circuit.
- Single Pole Double Throw Light Switch
Single Pole Double Throw Light Switches have four terminals and are generally used to control two separate circuits. An SPDT switch has two ON positions, while the opposite is true of the DPST. The switch terminals are electrically isolated when it is in the “ON” position. In this fashion, the switch controls two independent circuits. When the switch is in the “OFF” position, the terminals are disconnected. A single-pole light switch is the most common type of switch in homes. A single-pole switch controls only one circuit and offers a regular on/off function.
- Double Pole Single Throw Light Switch
It controls two-wire connections at one time. In general, one of the two wires can be in either an off or on position. Double pole single throw light switches have three terminals, one of which is referred to as the common terminal. The other two are typically called A and B. A double pole single throw light switch is similar to a normal switch, except that it has two different output circuits. A double pole single throw light switch accepts two pairs of hot wires, while a single-pole switch accepts just one pair.
- Double Pole Double Throw Light Switch
The switch’s name hints at its dual purpose. It controls two separate circuits by switching between the two opposite ends of the switch’s terminals. There are three states, one for each circuit and six terminals in a double-pole switch. DPDT switches are different from SPST, and SPDT switches in that they can be used to control two separate circuits. During their “on” position, DP switches control two independent circuits, while their “off” position disables the circuits.
The Most Common Types of Light Switches
When you are planning to install a new light switch in your home, you should know the different types available. Listed below are some of the most popular types of light switches.
- Rocker Switch
One common type of light switch is the Rocker Switch. It is also known as a decorative switch. These switches are great for dimmer lights and low-traffic areas, but they may not be the best choice in places where you want to keep the room clean. Toggle switches are a good option for places that don’t have as much cleanliness, but rocker switches have a sleek design and slide up and down easier than toggle switches.
- Combination Switch
A Combination Switch combines two different functions in one switch. These are just as safe as two individual switches and are always installed with through-switch wiring. Combination switches require two or three wires to enter the box. It is important to disconnect power from these switches before removing them.
- Three-Way Switch
A three-way light switch has three electrically active terminals: the common terminal, the neutral terminal, and the grounding terminal. The common terminal is a bridge between the power supply and the load. The common terminal can either be a hot wire from the main electrical board or a lead to the load. If it is the latter, the light switch should be grounded. This type of switch is often the most expensive to install.
- Dimmer Switch
Dimmer switches are a great way to control the amount of light in a room. They are available in various styles and colours. They are easy to install and can be adjusted to suit a particular room’s needs. They can be used for home and office settings. If you want to dim the lights when you are not using the room, you can use a slider switch. Push-button switches are usually used in bathrooms and near exhaust fans. They return to their default positions when you press them.
- Motion Sensor Switch
These switches use a sensor to detect movement and body heat. They are expensive but easy to install, and most do-it-yourselfers can replace an old light switch within a few minutes. A motion sensor works by detecting changes in the speed of sound waves as a person enters or leaves a room. There are a few reasons to install a motion sensor light switch. These switches are designed to save you money on electricity bills and can also be a great addition to homes with kids who tend to forget to turn off the lights.
