Electrical switches are electromechanical devices. The electrical switches are used for various purposes–
- Electrical circuits to control power
- Detect the systems that are outside their operating ranges
- Signal control in the machinery
- Manual control of the machine
Electrical switches now come in a variety of styles, colours, shapes, and sizes such as toggles and buttons. There are different types of electric switches available in the market. Though different switches look similar, they are different in the mechanism of working on the inside. Also, the basic functioning of turning on and off, the electrical switches have integrated features, like indicators that make it different. The switches come in different styles. Though electrical switches are used for operating lights commonly, it is used to turn the electricity on or off to any electric devices. Listed below are some common types of electric switches that are used for various purposes.
Single-Pole Switch
The Single-Pole Switch is used for the general purposes in the house such as controlling light, receptacle, or other devices from a single location. It has an on-off marking n the toggle, which is not found in three-way or four-way switches.
Three-Way Switch
The three-Way Switches are used in pair that helps in controlling light or receptacle from two separate locations. Since the on and off position changes, it does not have the on-off markings. Three-way switches have three terminal screws. While replacing the three-way switch, make the wire attached to the COM terminal before removing the old switch. The other two wires are interchangeable. The three-way switches are used at the ends of the staircase, garages, or basements with two entries, where two switches control one light.
Double-Pole Switch
Though Double-Pole Switch is used in industrial applications, it is also used in some home wiring systems that allow controlling of power feeding higher-demand appliances, motors, and machinery. A double-pole switch has on and off markings. It controls a device or equipment from a single location.
The difference between a double pole switch is that it has four hot brass terminals and a ground terminal that allows the user to connect to two pairs of hot wires from a 240-volt circuit.
Four-Way Switch
The four-way switch is used between 2 three-way switches. It helps to provide control for an outlet or light fixture from 3 or more different locations in the house. The four-way switch looks the same as the double-pole switch. But it does not have on/off markings. It has 4 terminals that are brass colored and a ground terminal. It does not have a ‘COM’ or a Common terminal like a three-way switch. When there is a need to control the device from more than three locations, 1 three-way switch and 3 four-way switches between the 2 three-ways.