What Is a Light Switch?

A light switch controls electrical current passing through the wires that lead to a lighting fixture, turning it on and off. It also allows you to control the amount of light emitted. It is a key component of residential and light commercial lighting systems. In more advanced industrial systems, a light switch typically controls lighting contactors that relay the required current for a given light fixture. Light switches may be single or multiple, designed for indoor or outdoor use. There are a variety of options available, including dimmer-controls and environmental protection.

There are a dozen types of light switches, each with its own style. Usually, the switch type and style do not affect the function or wiring; however, they can offer you another level of choice when it comes to choosing the right one for your home.

The most common light switch is a toggle switch, with a lever that you pull up or down to operate the fixture. Other types include the rocker, slider, rotary and push-button switches. Push-button switches are characterized by a raised button with a mother-of-pearl or simulated pearl inlay that opens or closes the contacts to turn the lights ON or OFF. These switches are available in modern and traditional styles to suit your home’s aesthetic.

If you’re looking for a solution that will allow you to save energy while providing the lighting you need, motion and presence detectors may be your answer. These devices work automatically, allowing you to set individual time schedules for when the lights should turn ON and OFF. They can even register when someone is in the room and react accordingly.

When a switch is in the OFF position, it interrupts the flow of electricity through your home’s lighting system and prevents the light from turning ON. When it is switched to the ON position, it creates a new pathway through which electricity can travel. When you flick the switch back to the OFF position, the pathway is closed and power is stopped.

There are two ways to install a light switch: either the wire that carries the electrical current from your service panel can be spliced into the white wire of a cable that runs to the switch, or the black wire from the switch can be connected directly to the light. The switch then interrupts the black wire and does its job.

Many light switches that appear to do nothing are the result of unused wiring, installed by builders for potential fixtures that never were connected. It’s also possible that old switches were disconnected or moved during remodeling changes. Regardless, turning off the light circuit breaker is always recommended before changing a switch and can help to eliminate the risk of electrocution. To be completely safe, you should also wear rubber gloves and a plastic face shield. This will prevent any accidental skin contact with the switch’s metal and prevent arcing and sparking during the replacement process.