Single pole switches are the most common. The most common household switch a single pole has two terminals and simply turns power on or off.
Light Switch Wikipedia
What type of light switch do i need. A three way switch has three terminals. The four way switch is used between two three way switches to provide control for an outlet or light fixture from three or more different locations. X10 automation appears to be a good alternative when retrofitting a home for second or third switches to control a light or lights. A three way switch is not really three ways at all but it does have three screws on the back side. These switches use a simple on off toggle to turn lights. Basically you replace the primary switch add a control module and add a remote unwired switch.
Double pole light switches. 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. When you think about light switches the first thing that likely comes to mind is a toggle. Push button light switches are probably the second most common light switch that you can. The electrical line passes through and flipping the switch either connects or disconnects the flow of current. The simplest and most common light switch is actually referred to by hardware dealers and electricians as a single pole light switch with a single pole light switch flipping the lever up completes the circuit turning lights or appliances on and flipping it down breaks the circuit turning lights or receptacles off.
If you want to have control from more than three locationsfor example five locationsyou would still use two three way switches one on each end and three four way switches between the two three ways. Controls two fixtures without installing a separate box installing two parallel switches with a double box also works make sure there is plenty of room for all the wires so that it meets building code requirements. If youve ever pined for a light switch you can control with your phone a smart light switch is right for you. Many light switches in your home will come in four varieties. Double pole switches also utilize an on off toggle and can only control lights devices or. 11 different types of light switches and fixtures 1.
Smart light switches are relatively easy to install but there are hundreds of. X10 is more expensive than standard switches but demands less wiring. Push button light switch. A four way has four. A simple ordinary on off light switch as in the first photo has two screws on it. In this section of hometips well take a closer look at these many different types of light switches.