Switches are crucial electrical devices that regulate the operation of various home appliances, including lighting fixtures. Most often used switch types exist in a variety of designs, including toggle, rocker, slider, and push-button. Though it may complicate the choosing process, the style typically has little impact on how switches work or how the electrical wiring is laid out. However, it is simpler to select the appropriate switch for your needs when the options are reduced to the most fundamental types.

Single-Pole Switch

The single-pole switch is the most versatile switch type, and it is simple to recognize because it typically has ON/OFF indications embossed on the switch's face.

If you look closely, you'll see a new single-pole switch has a green screw linked to the metal strap and two brass-colored screw terminals connecting to the switch's body.

Double-Pole Switch

In some household wiring systems, double-pole switches are used to regulate 240-volt appliances like an electric furnace or air conditioner, an electric water heater, or a hot tub heater. Double-pole switches are frequently employed in industrial applications. Double-pole switches are far less frequent in homes than single-pole switches; if you don't have any appliances that need one, you could not even have one.

Three-way Switches

Three-way switches are used in pairs and are typically located at the top and bottom of a staircase, in garages or basements with two entrances, in hallways, and other locations where two distinct wall switches operate the same appliance or light fixture.

There are three terminal screws on the three-way switch. The darkest screw terminal, denoted "COM" for common, is either connected to the hot circuit wire coming from the power source or the hot wire that continues to the light fixture, depending on where the switch is in the circuit layout.

Four-way Switches

Although they are uncommon, four-way switches can occasionally be found in very large rooms with many entrances and long halls. Between two three-way switches, a four-way switch is used to allow control of an outlet or lighting fixture from multiple locations. Use two three-way switches (one on each end) and three four-way switches to connect the two three-ways if you want control from more than three locations, such as five.

The best wall switch to use will depend on the electrical circuit type being controlled, how the appliance or light fixture is controlled within it, and the level of automation or remote control you want. Modular switchboard design also gives an all-new look to the switches design.