
Decorative switches include styles that rock, turn, or slide rather than toggle. Other special-duty switches can be time-programmed or let you know whether a remote light is on or off. In addition to the familiar toggle and rotary switches, specialty switches can do everything from turning on when you walk into a room to varying the speed of whole-house fans. However, for a fan or fluorescent light, you should buy a special switch rated to control those devices. It is a very basic switch and is very inexpensive. You can usually replace any single-pole switch with a dimmer. A Single Pole Switch or technically known as a Single Pole Single Throw Switch is one of the common types of light switches used in homes. These control a light from two or three switch locations, such as at the top and bottom of a stairwell, at either end of a hallway, or in a large room with multiple entrances.Ī dimmer switch controls a light's intensity. A three-way switch has three terminals a four-way has four. The most common household switch, a single-pole, has two terminals and simply turns power on or off. Here are the basic types of switches and dimmers.
Light switch install#
Take a look at our guide to switches and dimmers to pick the right lighting option for your room.īe sure to select a switch that's compatible with the circuit where you want to install it and your lighting needs. After choosing the perfect chandelier, pendant, or recessed lighting for your home makeover, make sure you pick the right electrical switch for your needs. Turning it off breaks the circuit, as the switch creates a gap that stops the flow. However, the basic function always remains the same: Turn a switch on and it completes the circuit, letting electricity flow through it. Light switches and sockets are an integral part of our living space and are used to control various devices in any type of building. With different switch styles, wiring needs, and programmable capabilities, the wide variety of light switches and dimmers can be tricky to navigate. Light switches, once a simple decision, are now a home improvement category boasting a number of designs and functions.
