The Different Kinds of Wall Switches

A wall switch interrupts the flow of electricity to control one or more light fixtures or wall outlets.wall switch The switch mechanism is usually a toggle lever that can be pushed, pulled or flicked in various ways to turn the light fixture or outlet ON and OFF. A wall switch typically connects only to the hot wires in a circuit, not the neutral or grounding pathways.

Most rooms in a house have mounted light switches that turn on and off recessed lights, pendant lights or chandeliers, wall sconces or floor lamps. In homes without recessed lighting, the switches might turn on and off electrical outlets where floor lamps or table fans are plugged in. The switch is an important part of the home’s electrical system and it can make a big difference in how your rooms look and feel. Knowing something about the different kinds of wall switches can help you decide which ones to use in each room and how to make them work.

Switches come in a wide variety of styles and features to suit many tastes and uses, from simple single-pole switches to smart options that connect to the internet and can be controlled via your phone or tablet. The type of light fixture you have will also determine which switch to choose. For example, a light that has a built-in dimmer will require a dimmer switch, while a standard light can be controlled by any switch.

The most common kind of switch is a simple ON/OFF switch, which turns one light (or wall outlet) ON or OFF in a single location. It has a single-pole, single-throw (SPST) mechanism inside that opens and closes when the switch lever is flipped to either ON or OFF position. This switch is identified by the ON/OFF markings printed on its switch toggle lever and is sometimes called a single-location switch.

Another type of switch is a three-way switch, which allows you to control two different locations with the same switch. This kind of switch requires a special wiring configuration.

When you are installing a new wall switch, always be sure to turn off the power to the circuit at your breaker box before working on electrical wires. If you do not, you could be electrocuted or cause damage to your home’s electrical wiring. When you have turned off the breaker, disconnect the old switch by loosening each of its terminal screws and pulling it out. Before you connect the new switch, test for continuity using a multimeter or a continuity tester. Touch the probes of the tester to each of the terminals on the switch and it should not read any continuous current.

When connecting the new switch, carefully follow the instructions on its packaging. Some switches have no terminal screws but instead a series of holes slightly larger than the bare conductors that you will be connecting to them. You may need to loosen the screw tabs and push in the bare wires to grip them. When the new switch is installed, be sure it is rated for the voltage and amperage carried by the circuit wires. Embossed printing on the switch body will show you what it is rated for.

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