10 Types of Light Switches and How to Choose (2024)

Home Improvement

Electrical

Learn the different types of light switches to update your home's lighting

• 01 of 10

  Single-Pole Switch

  

  • Best for: Controlling a light fixture, appliance, or outlet from a single wall location

  Standard light switches are known as single-pole switches, which work by receiving incoming power from the electrical panel, then routing that power through the outgoing terminal to a single light fixture or appliance. You'll know if your switch is single-pole because it will usually have ON/OFF symbols embossed on the face of switch.

  Single-pole switches will have two brass-colored screw terminals attached to the body of the switch, plus a green screw that is connected to the metal strap. This type of switch is the most common option for residential buildings. It's used throughout the home to control bedroom lights, bathroom lights, kitchen lights, and wall outlets.

  Tip

  Neutral (usually white) wires are not connected to switches, but if you see a white wire attached to the switch, then this is when it is functioning as a hot wire. In this case, the white wire should have black or red tape wrapped near the switch terminal to indicate that the wire operates as a hot wire, not a neutral wire. Black or red tape are the normal go-to colors for indicating hot wires.

• 02 of 10

  Double-Pole Switch

  

  • Best for: Controlling a 240-volt appliance or fixture from a single wall location

  The double-pole switch is commonly used in industrial applications but it can be found in some home wiring systems to control electric water heaters or air conditioners. Compared to single-pole switches, double-pole switches are much less common in the home—it's possible you will have none at all if you don't have appliances that require one.

  240-volt circuits operate with two individual "hot" wires and have four brass-colored screw terminals to connect the incoming and outgoing wires. Double-pole switches also have a green grounding screw for connecting the circuit's grounding wire. If the goal is to control a large appliance with the flip of a switch, then a double-pole switch is the right options for this upgrade.
  

• 03 of 10

  Three-Way Switch

  

  See Also

  Why Are Dimmer Switches So Expensive? An Insider’s Look

  • Best for: Controlling a light fixture from two different wall locations in the room

  Three-wayswitches are used in pairs and usually found at both ends of a staircase, in garages or basem*nts that have two entries, in hallways, and in other places where two separate light switches control one light fixture or appliance.

  The three-way switch has three terminal screws so that it can connect to the electrical panel, a second three-way switch, and the target light fixture or appliance. A three-way switch also has a green grounding screw, to which the bare copper circuit grounding wire is attached. Use this type of light switch for improved convenience when you want to control a single light or appliance from two locations.

• 04 of 10

  Four-Way Switch

  

  • Best for: Controlling a light fixture, outlet, or appliance from three or more different wall locations

  While not common, four-way switchesare used in long hallways or rooms with multiple entrances to provide control for an outlet or light fixture from multiple locations. Three-way switches make it possible to control a single light fixture or appliance from two locations, but four-way switches are necessary if you want to have control from three or more locations.

  The four-way switch has four terminals plus a ground terminal. The four-way switch functions as a switching device for the traveler wires between the three-way switches so that when any one of the switches is used it will turn off or turn on the associated light fixture or appliance.

  Warning

  Use extreme care in replacing a four-way switch. There are two unique layouts for the terminals depending on the manufacturers. One is IN on top and OUT on the bottom, and the other is IN on the left and OUT on the right.

  Continue to 5 of 10 below

• 05 of 10

  Smart Switch

  

  • Best for: Controlling a light fixture or appliance automatically or remotely

  A smart switch allows light fixtures or appliances to be controlled through a voice assistant (such as Alexa) or by an app. As long as you have an internet connection, you can use the app to monitor, control, and program the associated lights to automatically turn on or off when you choose.

  While smart switches are usually simply swapped into the same location where a standard light switch is located, most require a neutral wire connection because a small amount of current flow is necessary for their operation. It's possible that you will require a circuit upgrade to use these switches. Other smart switches do not require a neutral connection and instead connect to the internet wirelessly through a hub.

  Tip

  Be sure to buy a smart switch that's compatible with your hub or voice-automation system and the lights you need to control.

• 06 of 10

  Dimmer Switch

  

  • Best for: Adjusting light intensity

  A dimmer switch typically features a rotary knob or slider to adjust the brightness level of the bulbs. This allows the user to reduce the light in the room at night or when watching a movie. Then when company comes over or if you are working on a detailed project, slide or rotate the dimmer to increase the light in the room.

  • A rotary dimmer switch has a simple knob that you rotate to increase or decrease the brightness. The light on a rotary dimmer switch can usually be turned off completely by pressing the knob.
  • A sliding dimmer switch typically uses a toggle switch to turn on or turn off the light, as well as a sliding control that adjusts the brightness. Some dimmers have very discreet sliders that practically blend in with the rest of the switch.
    

• 07 of 10

  Occupancy / Motion Sensor Switch

  

  • Best for: Conveniently turning on lights or appliances with a motion sensor

  An occupancy switch or motion sensor switch has a built-in motion sensor to detect when someone enters a room and turn on the light. The light will stay on for a preset amount of time, then turn off to conserve energy. These lights are common in public bathrooms and changing rooms.

  The motion sensor switch typically features a toggle to control the light and sensor function. Some sensors also have daylight detection, so they won't turn on when you don't need the extra light. Additionally, they can be used with bathroom exhaust fans so you don't have to worry about remembering to turn on and off the fan.

• 08 of 10

  Specialty Switch

  

  • Best for: Unique switch design for custom control of lighting, appliances, and other devices

  There are several types of specialty switches that go beyond simply turning on and off a light or appliance. For instance, some switches have timers that will turn on and off the light or appliance at the same time every day. This is a good option for outside lights, allowing you to turn them on after dark even if you’re not home and turn them off right after sunrise to avoid wasting energy.

  Similarly, there are time-delay switches that will leave a light or appliance on for a preset amount of time after it’s turned on and then shut it off automatically. Other specialty switches also include an outlet with an additional place to plug in electronics, touch switches, and switches that can control the speed and lighting of fans.
  

  Tip

  Some specialty switches are meant specifically for LED and CFL bulbs and often must be used if your fixture has dimmable energy-saving bulbs.

  Continue to 9 of 10 below

• 09 of 10

  Combination Switch

  

  • Best for: Providing two control functions from one wall box

  A combination switch is a dual design that combines the functions of two electrical devices in a single wall box, such as a light switch and an outlet, or two light switches. This type of switch is great for organizing the electrical connection in a smaller area and reducing the number of wall boxes needed for the room.

  When correctly installed, the two separate functions operate independently. For instance, a simple single-pole light switch can be paired with a USB charging port in one convenient combination switch. As more people seek to install in-wall USB charging ports, this type of light switch may grow in popularity.

• 10 of 10

  Pull Chain Switch

  

  • Best for: Operating ceiling fans and overhead lighting

  Pull chain switches are a well-known style of light switch that works by pulling on the chain to turn on or turn off the connected light or appliance. This type of switch is often used to control the speed and function of ceiling fans. In some cases, a ceiling fan will have a built-in light that is controlled with a second pull chain switch.

  These switches are also commonly seen in garages, sheds, and workshops, where it's easier to install a single overhead light with a built-in pull chain switch, than it is to wire a separate light switch to control the light fixture.