Electrical Light Switch Types and Designations

An electrical light switch controls the flow of power in an electrical circuit.

When a switch is on, electricity flows through the circuit from its source to the point of use.

The standard switch used in residential work is the toggle switch, sometimes called a snap switch.

Other types include dimmer, pilot-light, timer, and electronic switches.

Switches are further categorized by quality and usage.

The standard, or construction grade, switch is rated for 15 amps and is the grade and type most commonly found in homes.

Toggle Switches

The toggle electrical light switch have evolved over time.

Now you can perform many functions throughout a home with them.

A standard, single-pole toggle switch turns a light on from only one location.

But switches may also control a circuit from two (three-way switch) or three (four-way switch) locations.

A single-pole switch has two terminal screws.

Only this one switch can control the circuit.

The hot wire connects to one terminal, and the outgoing wire to the other.

A three-way switch has three terminals.

One is marked com or "common"; the hot wire connects to this terminal.

The other terminals are switch leads.

A four-way switch has four terminals.

A similar-looking switch, the double-pole switch, is used to control 240-volt appliances and is differentiated from the four-way switch by the on and off markings on the toggle.

Dimmer Switches

A dimmer switch is used to control the brightness, or intensity, of light emitted from a light fixture by increasing or decreasing the flow of electricity to the fixture.

Dimmers may have a standard toggle electrical light switch, rotary dials, sliders, or automatic electronic sensors that respond to the level of ambient light in a room and adjust accordingly.

They can be single-pole or three-way switches.

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